Simulations and Games for Education
Online Educational Games for Teachers and Students. Legend of Learning https://www.legendsoflearning.com/. You can get a free account with limited games and no access to pre-made lesson plans but, definitely it is very engaging. I modified some of these games for my 9th grade classes.
There are several subjects included, together with standards from each grade, subject and state. You have option to use pre-made games/simulations or create one. You can check students progress and see what they answered correct or wrong and base your instruction on the outcome. You can have a link to copy-paste in any platform you use or directly connect it with google classroom. The students join by your code or you can add them individually. There is space for differentiation, too. Especially for ESL and students with IEP when you can assign simple questions (still being able to assess) and extending time if needed.
The fun and engaging part is when you have to create your own character and give it a name, and the students can easily play (as they do with their video games) while using the computer, reading the questions, answering and winning points. Then they can use those points to buy more challenges. Definitely, it is the a modern way of learning and it was created on 2017. This website can be joined by parents, too if they want to know the progress of their kids.
If you are planning on not using this website, at least give it a try. I promise it is going to be so interesting that you will want to play more, earn more points and learn more.
I did try some of the sims on Phet. I had to filter for math and elementary to get to something I was familiar with. Even then, I found the activities to be somewhat confusing. I did see directions and teacher tips tabs, but once in the games, I thought that they were a little advanced/confusing for my class. I did not think I would utilize this with my kids. I did enjoy the Legends of Learning. I signed up as a student so I could check it out from that perspective. I think that my students would love this! I played a few levels as a student, and it was engaging, while still educational. I am going to sign up as a teacher next to check out all the other features you mentioned that teachers can do. I am especially interested because I teach special education students with IEPs, and you said there is room for differentiation, and I love that!
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteWhat I like most about this website is that it can be utilized for many grade levels, it can be personalized for your students and there are pre-made options. Sometimes, we as educators, don't realize the great ideas that are already out there. Why try to reinvent the wheel?? I do not currently have my own classroom but hope to soon. Since I will be certified B-2 and 1-6, this will be a great resource is any classroom I am in!
Thanks so much for sharing!