Journal #3- "Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning "

Yoder, Maureen. (September/October 2009)."Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning
", volume 37 (2009-2010) (No. 2). Retrieved from http://http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24200&DirectListComboInd=D


After reading this article it gave me a new insight to what is actually out there for our kids these days. The only times I really hear about children going on the computer to play games is when they are playing those War Craft games. When I saw how the Global Kids site gave children the chance to educate themselves and how many students have actually visited the site, it gave me hope. I think sites like these are great. I know a lot of parents would rather have sites that teach their children Math or English, but I think what Global Kids is doing is opening up more opportunities for learning. They are giving kids the chance to learn more about Hurricane Katrina and other interesting historical issues. They virtually put together a game that allows for students to help the virtual Hurricane Katrina survivors find homes, and help them to survive. Another really fun program that a summer school class did in 2008 was set up a virtual camp called “I Dig Tanzania.” The students were able to take their jeeps through virtual Tanzania and learn about the politics, culture and some scientific research. It’s interesting activities like these that make students want to learn.

Do you think more schools will use these types of sites?
I think more teachers are going to see these sites and briefly use them so students know they are actually out there. I think it would be a good idea because not only is it showing the students what other fun games are out there, but the parents as well.

Do you think sites like this should be free?
Yes and no. I think for teachers maybe there should be a price because you are able to get so many activities and materials that it should be worth something. For the students I think it should be free. There are lots of parents out there who would not want to or can’t spend the money on programs like these. We need healthy educated programs so students can realize there are programs like these that are just as fun as War Craft.