Because I have always used games in my Spanish classroom, I chose to attend the Kick I t Up a Notch session entitled, Games in Education by Sylvia Martinez. It was an excellent session. It was a short session, but made me think. It was interesting to hear that some games where a student matches or drags something are little more that worksheet practice. I do feel that some such games help with rote memory or spelling, which are important in especially beginning language classes. Having used such games occasionally with Spanish I students, I know they do engage students and help them become more familiar with vocabulary. Martinez also reminded us that not all students like playing games, so we cannot assume that a game will help us reach all students.
Martinez explored other games where students have to use higher level thinking skills. She pointed out, that as with any educational activity, the teacher must make sure the activity is actually helping to reach the educational goal. She emphasized the teacher’s role in planning, monitoring, and helping students reflect to guide students toward the educational goal.
In the Kicking It Up a Notch section, Martinez really did challenge my thinking about having students create a game. Although my game design skills are very limited, she made me want to explore more.
As I see it, there are three major advantages to the format of online sessions for in service. The first is that it allows the participant to do professional development when and where s(he) wants (even outside on a perfect summer day in Ohio).
Another advantage is that a participant can attend any session s(he) wishes. You don’t have to worry about the time of sessions you want to attend conflicting.
The third advantage is that it allows the presenter to redo the recording until it is just as s(he) wants it to be. In a live presentation the presenter only gets one opportunity to present, but in an online presentation the presenter is able to make it more interesting and concise by reworking it. The session can also be viewed by many more persons and it can live on indefinitely. I really appreciated this session and the online format.
I am glad you found a meaningful conference that might help you. I attended the wrong conference. I agree with you about you can attend the ones you like. The one I went to was worthless and I would steer people away from going to it. One thing I would add is I think these would be even better if viewed in small groups 2-3 people. This way if someone doesn’t understand a concept, you can discuss with the other person thoughts, ideas, build knowledge upon collaboration both on-line but in a small group of fellow teachers.