The Educational Benefits of Gaming Technologies

The North Schuylkill School District is encouraging the use of gaming technologies as a tool to minimize the "digital disconnect" between students and adults. A survey of 147 North Schuylkill teachers shows they are increasingly becoming interested in use of games to increase student engagement (56%), address different learning styles (67%), focus on student-centered learning (39%), and to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills (39%).

Only 7% of North Schuylkill's teachers do not see any value in exploring gaming within education. Over 48% of the teachers said they would be interested in learning more about integrating gaming technologies into teaching strategies and 39% would be interested in professional development on this. 8% said that they are currently incorporating some gaming into their instruction.

An example of gaming technology available today is PowerUp, a free multiplayer game launched by IBM. The game challenges teenagers to help save the planet “Helios” from ecological disaster. It encourages students to investigate, discover, and try science by linking it to engaging, real-world activities.

For the past two years Math teacher Judi Rakowsky has used e-missions in her Pre-Algebra classrooms. The e-missions allow students to role-play and use their math skills to troubleshoot a pending problem. The two e-missions she has used (M.A.R.S. and Fire Scene Investigation) allowed her 7th grade students to learn math while engaging in a student-centered, team-based, fun, interactive "gaming" experience.

New Science Programs to be Introduced

During the 2007-2008 school year, North Schuylkill's K-12 science program was evaluated and new textbooks and programs were adopted for use at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. Among the programs to be introduced is Full Option Science System (FOSS). The inquiry-based science program will be used in grades K-5. It is designed to spark interest in science and help instill important 21st Century skills in our students.

During last year's Speak Up Survey, 445 of North Schuylkill's third to fifth grade students were asked, "Think of your dream science classroom. What would be a part of your classroom? The top answers were fun experiments (76%), using real tools like microscopes (58%), working with other students on projects (53%) and computers with internet access to research interesting topics (53%). FOSS and the 6-12 materials, texts and programs adopted last spring, incorporate these desired elements and more.

NS Curriculum Cycle Explained

In an effort to promote a climate of systematic and thoughtful change and K-12 articulation and vision, the North Schuylkill School District has implemented a 6-year curriculum cycle. During the first year of this cycle, programs are evaluated and text or curriculum selections are made. In year two, the programs are implemented and staff development is offered. In year three, curriculum mapping is begun and common assessments are created. The program is monitored and adjusted in years 4, 5, and 6. The cycle begins anew in year seven.

The curriculum cycle allows our programs to stay current and it provides our students with the tools and resources needed to stay competitive in the 21st Century.