Chapter 3 Response

I wish that when I was in Elementary school I had something as neat as a 'Microworld.' I think it is really interesting that it captures learners attention and is created by learners. I like that this tool is an object to think with and not an object that thinks for the students. After reading, I believe that I would not actually use logo, but I would use a similar version, such as ThinkerTools, that is easier to maneuver. I would choose a simpler version so that my students could easily explore, manipulates, and experiment in the virtual environment. This would help create higher order thinking in the classroom. When discussing different subjects in the classroom I can see utilizing the interactive physics and simcalc microworld's. Both seem extremely beneficial in the classroom.

Simulations are imitations of a real concept or thing. This enables learners to see how a system works. I can see myself using simulations in my classroom. I can see using them in science the most. Science experiments can be recreated through simulations. I can see using simulations in weather systems, discussions about atoms, body circulation, among other scientific topics.
I had not realized that SimCity was a simulator. It makes sense, but I had not connected the two until my reading. SimCity can be creatively used in regards to social networking, and civics subjects.

I think that games are fantastic to incorporate into the everyday classroom. Educational games can be included in lessons as a support and refresher for students. Students can have fun by playing these games while reinforcing the material previously taught by the teacher. I think it is interesting that there are multiple principles for games on the computer (active, semiotic, committed learning, identity, etc).

Quest Atlantis! In one of my previous volunteer sites, the classroom teacher had Quest Atlantis. She loved it. I did not have much interaction with it but all of the students really looked forward to working on it. Students got to work on them on their own once they had completed a task in the classroom. I think this one in particular is really great because it discusses topics that are needing to be talked about (nutrition, diversity).