WilliamGriffithsAOLE142018

Gamification- How can gamification and the use of computer games be used to enhance learning in the classroom? Gamification is described as the use of game like features and elements into non-game contexts often to motivate participants e.g education. Gamification brings what makes games enjoyable into other areas of life. (Al-Awazi, 2016:132, Oxford Analytica, 2016:3). In most video games, when tackling a problem or completing a quest, you advance to the next level, which is harder than the last, this can be applied to education particularly well. If a task in the classroom is too easy, the learner will get bored; if it is too hard the learner may get overwhelmed and give up. (Oxford Analytica, 2016:4). Video games often use visual symbols or the use of systems such as 'levelling up'. This visualises progression and means the player/learner isn't only focused on one task; which could lead to lack of interest after a while, also distracts from the ultimate goal which ...

How can teachers use technology effectively in the classroom?  The digital world is playing an increasingly significant role in the lives of children, with influences such as social media, communication, information gathering, and entertainment, as well as for educational use. (Donaldson, 2015:41). The ability to be technology savvy is increasingly becoming vital in the modern workplace as technology use begins to accelerate. (Donaldson, 2015:41). Sir Ken Robinson (2010) explains that students and young people are being brought up in a increasingly stimulating era, in which technology is dominant and pervasive, however teachers often fight against children using such devices. (Hilton, 2016:2). Technology will continue to enter the classroom, teachers need to find a way to integrate technology in a systematic manner to ensure that technology improves learning rather than inhibit learning. (Hilton, 2016:2). The increase in technology is happening across the world, however survey...

Why is Reading for Pleasure so Important?  The BBC describes reading for pleasure as 'any means of reading that is primarily for enjoyment. It encompasses a wide range of genres and publications, and includes both fiction and non-fiction.' (BBC, 2019). Reading for pleasure should be encouraged more as a core part of a child's curriculum because being exposed to a wide range of texts can make huge leaps in terms of educational development. (Uk-APPG, 2011:6). Research evidence from Medwell et al., 1998 suggests that teachers who are successful in teaching literacy manage to engage their pupils with the pleasures of reading. (Goodwin, 2008:5) Reading can be used as an educational pathway to improved achievement. An increase in the frequency of reading can increase pleasure. (Beaine & Reedy, 2018:146). The pleasure of reading straightforward and entertaining material without difficulty, can increase pleasure while reading as well as the pleasure which comes from ...