BP4-Web 2.0-Games

When I read this assignment, I thought about what my students would like and how I can incorporate it into my classroom.  I saw the web 2.0 tools and I went to gaming.  My kids love games and right away the one that stood out was Farmville.  I never played Farmville because I have heard of the addictive nature of the game.  I thought, how can I apply something that I know kids would love, be engaged and learn?  I believe Farmville is that tool.

One of the items I found was Youtube video done by a FSO student and she gave great points in how to incorporate it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2YPfdQVv0c

They talked about how Farmville can be used educationally in relation to students starting a business, math, and group cooperation.  

A great article I found was.

http://edugamesresearch.com/blog/2010/02/27/is-farmville-educational/

In this article they mentioned how Farmville can also be used for math and organization integration.

My plan for implementation.  I have started making a Google Presentation that will implement a business plan like the one mentioned in the video.  I will also make a spreadsheet so students will be able to track their profits with their crops.  I will also place the students in teams to see which of the teams will come out on top. 


Now as I was doing research, I came to find out that Farmville can only be accessed through Facebook.  I was hoping that there would be a stand alone Farmville, but I couldn't find one.  I would love to integrate this Web 2.0, but we all know for the most part...Facebook is banned at my district and most others.

Week 1-Blog URL

Well, I have been reading blogs for quiet some time now and I have posted to some blogs, but this Master's Program is placing in the mix of technology and I like it!  Before, I felt like I didn't have time to get involved with blogs, but I now have an another tool to add to my technology skills and apply them to my classroom setting.  I am always looking for new ways to connect with my kids and I believe blogs is another tool to connect with them.  This is their world and I am glad to be a part of it.

I will also be starting a class blog that my students will do every Friday. I already have them doing journals through Google Documents, but I am ready to start applying more Web 2.0 tools to my curriculum and help the core areas of my school.