Expand #2, Chapter 9

In chapter 9 of Teaching With The Tools Kids Really Use the author explains how students are taking a liking to using gaming as a way to learn their classroom material. The chapter focuses heavily on computer gaming more than anything and provides teachers with several different resources on how to use this type of technology for a students academic advantage. One of the resources provided was www.simplecodewords.com. This is basically a website that provides students access to download a computer program that lets them code their own software. I would compare it to the same concept of coding a website in HTML. The student would actually write the script for what they want the program to do. The application is extremely easy to use and the tutorial on how to use the program is basic that almost anyone could start writing their own program code. The website does seem to be a little dated, but the information is up to date. I would venture to say that the developers of the program are more concerned with the use of the application rather than the appeal to the eye. Any user can navigate the website but even at the one would only need the website to download the scripting application and maybe refer to if for a few tips. The program requires one to use rich text documents so the user will need to make sure that their computer has support for such files.

Overall, this website aids the teacher by allowing for a different method of teaching or enriching a lesson through the media of gaming. In my classroom, I would almost use this website as an incentive for completing work or for gifted students to enhance their enrichment. Though I can see all students benefiting from it. The only caution I would see is students might think this type of technology is dated, just many of us did when we had to write the HTML for our websites. The advantage is that students can develop an appreciation for how technology has changed over time and even earn bragging rights saying they created their very own computer program or game. The challenge would be to try and keep up with the every changing pace of technology and the different ways computer programming could be done. In general, this website is useful, but probably not for every teacher or every student.