Reflecting on the material presented in class, it’s fascinating to observe the evolution of education, particularly with the integration of electronics and gamification. As someone who experienced the early phases of gamification in education, I find it intriguing to compare past experiences with the current landscape, where technology plays a pivotal role in engaging students and fostering their interests.

The mention of MinecraftEdu resonates deeply with me, considering my own fascination with the game. I grew up loving Minecraft and playing it religiously, so a game like this would have been a huge interest in getting me engaged with my schoolwork. The realization of the parallels between Minecraft and coding underscores the innovative ways educators can leverage students’ interests to facilitate learning. This connection not only makes learning more enjoyable but also demonstrates the potential for technology to bridge disparate subjects. We are in a new era where students’ interests will resonate somewhere within technology, so I think it is in an educator’s best interest to take advantage of this, rather than discouraging or refusing it as I have seen many do.

Moreover, the concept of digital curation resonates strongly, emphasizing the importance of intentional organization and curation of educational resources. The questions posed regarding file management and citation highlight the necessity of maintaining a systematic approach to sourcing and organizing information, especially in an era where digital literacy is paramount. The notion of being a “Networked Teacher” underscores the vast array of resources available beyond traditional sources. As educators, it is imperative to keep track of these sources while also seeking opportunities to share knowledge with colleagues, thereby enriching the educational landscape collectively.

The discussion on gamification and platforms like Kahoot underscores the transformative impact of incorporating game elements into learning environments. By enhancing interaction, reducing anxiety, and fostering engagement, gamified approaches hold significant promise in catering to diverse learning styles and preferences. While I absolutely recognize the potential drawbacks and overuse of Kahoot, I have only positive experiences with the program as my teacher utilized it in grade 11 during COVID-19 schooling. With information coming so quickly as we only had five weeks to learn an entire course, he would start each class with a Kahoot to refresh what we had just learned to build upon in the upcoming class. I appreciated how it kept us organized and also created a great atmosphere in class where we would be excited for each other if we won. We also usually used alias names, so there was never embarrassment for coming last. It simply meant we had to review more.

The section on coding evokes memories of my own introduction to programming, particularly through platforms like Scratch. The initial sense of overwhelm followed by the excitement of seeing tangible results underscores the value of such platforms in demystifying coding for students. I remember using Scratch as my first introduction to coding in grade 5, and it was so exciting to see what I put in come to life, though I remember it being slightly overwhelming at first and my teacher not being able to help me with an explanation as it was so new to them as well. Reflecting on this experience makes clear how valuable this website is as an introduction to coding, especially being low-stakes but high reward with seeing the actualization of what they put in. I also realize how important it is that I am well-educated and prepared to teach coding and technology to make it more accessible to students who need extra guidance. As of now, I certainly do not feel prepared to teach coding, but I will continue to explore resources and educate myself on how to break coding down and explain it to support future students. it really highlights the need for educators to be adequately prepared to support students in their coding journeys.

Looking ahead, I am intrigued by the future of coding, especially in the context of AI. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for educators to stay abreast of these developments to effectively prepare students for the evolving landscape of digital literacy and computational thinking. The material presented in this class offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the transformative potential of technology and gamification in engaging students and fostering their learning journeys. As educators, I think it is incumbent upon us to embrace these innovations while also ensuring equitable access and support for all students. I will certainly be exploring CodeBC to build curricular goals in my classes, and I am very inspired by the idea of gamification to capture student interest.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash