By: Boyefio Abdul Rashid
From Classroom to Canvas: Engaging Teaching Ideas with Educational Apps and Games
In today’s tech-driven world, keeping students engaged in the classroom can be a challenge. But what if there was a way to make learning fun and interactive? That’s where educational apps and games come in.
Tips for Using Educational Apps and Games in the Classroom
Here are some tips for using educational apps and games in the classroom:
- Set clear learning objectives: What do you want students to learn from using the app or game? Once you know your objectives, you can choose an app or game that is aligned with your curriculum.
- Start small: Don’t try to integrate too many apps and games into your lessons at once. Start with one or two and gradually add more as you get comfortable.
- Make it relevant: Choose apps and games that are relevant to your student’s interests and needs. This will help them stay engaged and motivated.
- Use technology as a tool, not a replacement: Educational apps and games should be used to supplement your teaching, not replace it.
- Get feedback from students: Ask students what they think of the apps and games you’re using. Their feedback can help you choose other apps and games that they will enjoy.
Steps to Use Educational Apps and Games in the Classroom
Here are the steps to use educational apps and games in the classroom:
- Choose an app or game. There are thousands of educational apps and games available, so it can be overwhelming to choose one. Do some research and read reviews to find an app or game that is right for your students.
- Prepare your students. Before you start using the app or game, make sure your students know what to expect. Explain the learning objectives and how the app or game will be used.
- Play the game yourself. Before you use the app or game with your students, take some time to play it yourself. This will help you understand the game mechanics and how to troubleshoot any problems.
- Monitor students’ progress. As students are playing the game, keep an eye on their progress. This will help you assess whether they are learning what you want them to learn.
- Debrief the game. After students have finished playing the game, take some time to debrief the experience. Discuss what they learned and what they found challenging.
Examples of Educational Apps and Games
Here are a few examples of educational apps and games that you can use in your classroom:
- Math: Maths Twister, Prodigy, DragonBox Numbers, Mathtopia
- Reading: Bubbles, Frooties (Nanny iBook), English Question and Answer for JHS, Epic!
- Science: Science 1 for JHS, Elements, SkySafari, and Minecraft Education Edition
- Social Studies: Timeline, History Channel: Civil War, Oregon Trail
- Language Arts: Mad Libs, Wordament, Quiplash
NB: Most of these educational apps and games are available on TECHAiDE’s EDULab
Educational apps and games can be a valuable tool for teachers who want to make learning fun and engaging. By following the tips and steps in this blog post, you can use educational apps and games to create a more dynamic and effective classroom environment.
Additional Tips
- Use a variety of apps and games. Don’t stick to just one type of app or game. Use a variety to keep students engaged.
- Let students choose. Give students a choice of apps and games to play. This will help them stay motivated.
- Make it a challenge. Set challenges for students to complete in the app or game. This will help them stay focused and motivated.
- Have fun! The most important thing is to have fun with educational apps and games. When students are having fun, they are more likely to learn.
I hope this blog post has given you some ideas for using educational apps and games in your classroom. With a little creativity, you can turn your classroom into a canvas for learning!
