Teachers, Wii and Spore
May 18, 2006
Here are a few random thoughts that I’ve had throughout this week, that on their own could potentially be expanded, but for the time being will remain in crystallized form:
Elementary Schools and Teachers
Ever since I accepted a position working as a cleaner (janitor, custodian, slop mop guy) at an elementary school I’ve gained a new perspective and greater appreciation in regards to everything that occurs behind the scenes.
Prior to working at an elementary school, I had a very one-dimensional view of how schools actually ran, seeing as though my last encounter with a peewee educational fortress was many years ago.
Yet, when you pull back the curtain and realize that teachers have flaws, library shelves do in fact get dusty and there’s a bittersweet human element to it all that’s hard to describe, only then do you realize why schools continuosly run themselves.
All of this boils down to the teachers themselves, who in turn are modivated by their student’s achievements, which fuels their inner passion to educate, looking past the spitballs and dirty looks, knowing full well at the other end there will be a result.
On that note, since we live in the era of Google, I was thinking how much smarter a teacher can seem if he or she has access to a computer in their room. With Wikipedia and Google at their fingertips, said teacher can instantaneously look up unlimited subject matter, print or project, and contribute endless amounts of information to the education process.
It’s really fascinating, considering when I was younger all we had is an Apple II and maybe, depending on if you were good or not, Oregon Trail with buffalo shooting action all at a grueling pace.
Wii!
For weeks on end I’ve been thinking about Nintendo’s recently unvieled and renamed console, Wii. I’ll admit that at first I was a bit taken back by the name (shocked even), seeing as though the console and it’s premise sounds kind of silly.
However, after thinking about it some I’ve grown to actually love “Wii” and all it has to offer. Especially after seeing the slew of E3 demos that have popped up on sites like YouTube and Gamespot.
There’s just no denying the fact that you’re no longer just playing, but participating in a game using their Wii-mote, which looks like your average TV remote but recognizes 3D space and movement. How cool is that? Way cool!
Spore
With sites like Total Spore appearing out of thin air, there’s something intriguing and undeniably mouth watering about Will Wright’s newest sim creation, Spore, that has the media and blogosphere and maybe your neighbors in a gaming frenzy.
Spore isn’t just going to change the way people look at simulation games, it’s going to turn the gaming realm upside down. From the previews to demo footage and demonstrations given by Wright himself, it appears to be a mish mash of evolution, creation, old school gaming, clay modeling, strategy and sci-fi (amongst other things) all rolled into one.
I haven’t been this excited about a video game in years, not since I first laid eyes on Simcity and Populous.
8 comments
just on your comment about behind the scenes. i work in retail and have been only for a couple of months, but i have so much respect for the people who work on the weekends, especially sundays — we have to work so all these people out there can actually shop on their sundays! like before when i was a shopper on the weekends, i didn’t really think about it, it and it’s not until you get into those rsort of roles that you can truly appreciate what goes on.
by katie on May 18, 2006 at 7:00 pm. #
I was quite taken back myself in regards to Nintendo’s announcement but at the same time, I’m not equally excited as with the soon to be release PS3. As of now, Xbox 360 rocks!
by Jorgeq on May 18, 2006 at 9:23 pm. #
Regarding your first paragraph about behind the scenes.
It is amazing realizing what you didn’t see when you were a child. Especially since the teachers/principles/secretaries/and other faculty are now mere mortals. It’s funny that it has taken us this long to get to that conclusion. I also remember Oregon Trail if we were lucky and finished our homework on time. Those were the simple days of having the computer for enjoyment or a ‘treat’, or possibly using it as a fun learning device like Mavis Beacon. Do you remember that one? It was a game for spelling and learning how to type fast without messing up. Very boring, but it did the job. It is exciting though to see the development of educational technology in the classroom and how it can impact how the teacher implements that into the lessons.
by Lyzai on May 21, 2006 at 2:58 pm. #
Man, I loved Oregon Trail! It’s interesting what youve said about how it would change things for a teacher to have classroom access to the huge libraries of information available on the web. It seems like we are moving (or have moved) away from a culture weighted towards knowing a lot of stuff, towards one where it’s most important to know how to find stuff. Knowledge is everywhere now, making it both more and less valuable.
Open the pod bay doors, HAL.
by Greg on May 23, 2006 at 1:56 am. #
Katie: So true. I’ve also worked in the retail field and can honestly say I’m glad I’m not doing that anymore. In my short-lived retail career I worked for an organizational store designing closets with a CAD-like program and for a few months worked for KB Toys before they belly flopped.
Jorgeq:
The price point for the PS3 is a bit outrageous if you ask me. A retail price of $599 for a console system is too pricey period. I can see spending between $200-$400.00 depending on the featureset, but $600.00? That breaks the budget.
Lyzai: I had a conversation with a teacher last night who finds it both fascinating and horrifying in regards to how much information is available to us, by way of Google and other methods of “digital research”.
Growing up, I would’ve loved being able to search for research topics on Google, but now looking back, in nostalgic retrospect, appreciate the library experience (if only my teachers could hear me now, they’d clap for joy). Seriously, there’s just something tangible and enjoyable about searching through books for information instead of having it readily available. Maybe I’m alone in that thought, but it’s something to think about anyways.
Greg: Oregon Trailer was one of my favorite games at the time. Especially the hunting mode, where I’d move my little stick figure guy around and shoot buffalo, deer and squirrels. I remember squirrels themselves were kind of a waste since on average they only weigh about 2 pounds, if that.
Although, I never could stop the inevitable from happening, wherein one (or two or three) of my party would die of some sort of wretched disease. Sad really, considering I always seemed to refrain (at least in most cases) from using a grueling pace and made sure to use guides when I’d make way across the rivers.
In regards to your other point about finding information instead of off-hand knowing the information, you’re absolutely right. Research itself has changed quite dramatically thanks to the advancement of technology, but as I mentioned above, I think there’s something undeniably special about doing research the old way, via books and periodicals and I can’t believe I’m saying that. I guess this means I’m either old or more of a traditionalist.
by kartooner on May 23, 2006 at 1:12 pm. #
Totally agree with you on the Wii — I’m going to skip out on PS3 and the 360 and get the Wii instead. Who cares about graphics?
by Donnie Jeter on June 2, 2006 at 4:33 am. #
When I first read the title I thought you were going to talk about the Wii and Spore in education. That kind of got me thinking that at least Spore, and possibly the Wii as well, could be excellent educational or creativity tools, especially for younger children. Man, how cool would that be?
by Glen C. on June 15, 2006 at 11:05 pm. #
Glen: I think it has huge potential for that sort of application considering the console is more “hands on” than the others.
by kartooner on June 20, 2006 at 1:22 am. #