Week 8 - Gaming in the library


Gaming in the Library

Elkins, Aaron J.  Knowledge Quest, 43:5. May/June, 2015

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After reading this article I am really excited to incorporate gaming into my library next year.  This article will help to share with teachers and students when they question why games are available in the library.

The question is where to start.  I think I could gather up some old android phones through a donation appeal and start with a couple of free games.  Eventually, I would create an official station where students can play the games during library, indoor recess, or possibly have an after-school gamer club.  This idea might not lend itself to elementary school but it's worth a try.  I think I would have support from the tech person as well.

I was pleasantly surprised by this article.  In general, I think parents might be upset by their student's gaming in the library (and as a parent I would have felt the same way before reading this article) However, after reading this article I have come to realize that the library is the perfect space for gaming.  Most importantly games can be regulated by an adult to ensure appropriateness and skill-building. 

During an observation in a middle school last year I remember students coming in at lunchtime to play games together on a computer.  Creating equity is a very interesting fact here.  Students will survive just fine if they don't have a gaming system but these students were making friends in school when they might not have otherwise had this opportunity to connect. 
I hope to incorporate puzzles, board games, and even video games into my library next year.  I love the idea of a brain break space where students can also learn collaboration, cooperation, and listening skills all while creating relationships and connections with students they might not have done otherwise.

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