This document discusses using computer games in the classroom to enhance learning, motivate students, and encourage active learning. It first provides background on declining literacy and graduation rates. It then reviews literature on key themes like number sense, brain-based instructional strategies, and the benefits of technology and video games for teaching. The document suggests computer games can help build math fluency through feedback, practice at individual paces, and connecting learning to goals and rules. It indicates more research is needed to address concerns and student needs.

1. +
Computer
Games In
the
Classroom
Enhancing Learning,
Motivating Students and
Encouraging Active
Learning

2. + Importance
Purpose of Study
Literature Review
Key themes
Implications
Gaps
Importance and
Justification

3. +
 Students who fail have little 2011 U.S. Graduation Rates vs.
opportunity. “College Ready” ( as measured by ACT
scores)
 43% of people with lowest 90.0%
literacy skills live below official
80.0%
poverty line.
70.0%
 44 million can’t read a newspaper 60.0%
or fill out job application. 50.0%
40.0%
 50 million can’t read or 30.0%
comprehend above 8th grade 20.0%
level. 10.0%
0.0%
 Number is growing. All Students American Indian sian
African American A Hispanic White
Larry Roberts, Illiteracy on the Rise in America Graduated
http://www.wsws.org
College Ready

4. +
1900’s 2012
High school
<20% of jobs
dropouts earn ≈
required high
$12,000 per
school diploma.
year.
In 1870, 50% of
Less than 1%
US population
employed in
employed in
agriculture.
agriculture
1/10 US
1/3 US workers
workers
employed in
employed in
factories.
factories.

5. +
“…the difference between
success and failure in school
is, quite literally, life and death
for our students.” Mattos

6. +
Will interactive computer games help
students who struggle in math?
 Immediate explanatory feedback
 Reduces need to unlearn and re-learn
 Slower learners need extra time practicing
 Mastery over time
 Builds fluency: accuracy + speed
 Fluency allows cognitive focus on new concepts

7. +
Theme 1: Number Sense and the Social Divide
 Number sense is the single largest predictor of mathematics
success in young children.
 Calculation is linked to the language in which it is learned
which puts some EL students at a disadvantage.
 At-risk students are at a far greater risk educationally.
 Minority status
 Low family income
 Poorly educated parents
 Emotional or physical difficulties

8. +
Literature Review
Theme 2: Brain Based Instructional Strategies for
Learning
 Learning causes growth in brain cells.
 Learning happens when connections are made between new
information and previous knowledge.
 Multi-modal processing = stronger connections
 Mayer’s cognitive theory of multi-media learning
 Dual channel learning
 Verbal or written words
 Non-verbal or pictorial

9. +
Literature Review
Theme 3: Technology, Video Games and Innovative
Teaching
 Why wouldn’t technology be included in school?
 Technology can provide media-rich learning environments.
 Authentic practice builds transfer skills.
 Benefits of video games:
 Purposeful
 Goal-oriented
 Rule-based
 Fun!

10. +
Implications for the Study
Produce
Provide Active
Authentic Learners
Connect
Previous Practice
Build
Skills Learning

11. +
Concerns Needs

12. +