Games

            “Writing and communicating are key parts to education” (Bonk, 2009 p. 284).  With the first game, Words2Learn, URL address: https://www.words2learn.com . This website offers an app that the student can download onto their mobile device. The app helps the student learn vocabulary words. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to go through a lesson and there are 30 screens per lesson. In the app the student is exposed to 5 words. The student is asked if he is familiar with the words. He is given a short quiz to see if he really knows and understands the meaning of the words. Based on this pre-assessment, the student is exposed to the words in several different ways. They first look at the list, get familiar with the words, have the words pronounced for them, see if they know any of them, and see if they can use them in context. When they take the quizzes, the results are sent to the instructor, and given to the student with immediate feedback. Based on the feedback, the instructor can analyze which words he or she needs to focus on in class. Once the app is downloaded into a mobile device the student can access the app at anytime, anywhere. They can study in their car.

            The second game is Lumosity. The URL address is http://www.lumosity.com. This game is designed to improve memory, attention, speed, flexibility and problem solving. Over 70 million people play lumosity. It is free to play, and now you can play on a team against other teams from around the world. Lumosity is translated into several different languages such as Spanish and German. It was started in 2007, and is based in California. You can access this game by Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter.

            In the GED program, we have men who need to improve their vocabulary skills by understanding the meaning of words, how to pronounce the words properly, and use them in the correct context. This game would help them do that at their own pace, and independently of the teacher. They would assume more responsibility for their own learning.  Also in the program, we have older gentlemen who have resigned themselves to the fact that they are too old to get their GED. Playing the Lumosity game, would allow them to sharpen their memory skills. When you sign up for the game, you are given an assessment, and then based on your results they tailor a game set to your specific needs. I feel playing this game would give them confidence and boost their motivation to learn so they in turn could pass their GED test.

            I would use both of these games in my GED classroom. I would use the Words2Learn app to extend the vocabulary lesson by having the men be exposed to the words in a more direct and personal manner. With playing the game, the student is immersed in these words (Barab, Gresalfi, & Arici, 2009). The more a student is exposed to a word, the more likely he or she is to incorporate it into their everyday vocabulary.  I would use Lumosity for the students to do something different and fun after the lesson is over to continue the learning process.

References

            Barab, S. A., Gresalfi, M., & Arici, A. (2009). Why educators should care about    games.             Educational Leadership, (67)1, 76–80.

            Bonk, C. J. (2009). The world is open: How web technology is revolutionizing education.   San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.