The game that I chose to explore is located on PBS kids website, it is called Hamster Run. There were many things that I considered when picking what game I was interested in exploring. Some things that went into picking a game was the ability for the students to have choices while playing. Another thing that I considered when looking for a game was making sure that it was not drill and practice based. The final thing that I took into consideration when looking for a game was to make sure that all students no matter what level would be able to interact and move through the game at their own pace. 

The first thing that I considered when looking for a game was to make sure that the students are able to have choices. When students are able to have choice they engage in deeper, richer learning, and they often display more on-task behavior. When teachers allow students to have choice students social and emotional learning also increases. Choice gives students many benefits and is most powerful when used with purpose. In our game the students are able to get a variety of choices from the hamster that they use at each level. As well as to the shapes to use to get the hamsters to where they want to go.

The next thing that I considered when looking for a game was making sure that it was not drill and practice. This method has many drawbacks when it comes to learning. Teachers need to make sure that when having students practice, there is a clear link between concept and action. Students should be able to relate what they are doing to what they are learning. The drill and practice method for students to work with. In our game the students are able to use a variety of shapes to get the hamster to where they need to go taking away the drill and practice. Each student has to come up with their own way to get the hamster to where they need to go. The hamster in the top corner provides instruction and different facts about the shapes during the run.

The final thing that I thought about when researching a game was to make sure all students are able to work through each level at their own pace. Online games have many different benefits for the learner. Some of which include an increase of a child’s memory capacity, helps with fast strategic thinking and problem-solving, develops hand-eye coordination, and helps the students with skill building. Each level in a game assists the learner in gaining these benefits. Overall, it took a lot of time and dedication when researching a game to explore. In our game each student has to work through the levels to unlock the next. Each student can work through each level at their own pace.

1.What is your first name? Please use your preferred name, nick name, etc. Do you have preferred pronouns?

Miah

Where are you from?

Amherst, Ohio

3. What are you into; what makes you special? Share a few “unique” aspects about yourself that would help our classroom community get to know you a bit. Are you on an athletic team? Sing in the choir?  Are you trying out for a play? Painting? What are you planning on doing this semester in your life that is noteworthy?

This semester I plan to dedicate more time to working out and taking more time off of social media. Instead I would like to fill my time with reading books outside of school and getting other things accomplished.

Learning Style and more:
5. Being as specific as you can, what must be in place for you to feel comfortable taking intellectual and creative risks in a course?

In order for me to feel comfortable taking intellectual and creative risks a kind and open minded learning environment must be in place. This helps to take the fear from saying what you think and believe even if it is the opposite of what other think. Another thing that should be in place in order for me to feel comfortable taking intellectual and creative risks in a course is getting quality feedback on from the professor and classmates. This elements would help to make my work better when I can see what can be fixed and grow on my understanding of the topic.