The Problem:
Does this sound familiar? Today we were short staffed because of a requirement to deliver a standardized computer test to all the eighth grade students. I had to cover for another teacher who was assigned to proctor the test. My first two classes doubled in size and I was in a room adjacent to the testing lab, which shared a common non-soundproof wall.
So what do I do?
In another time and place, I would be scrambling to come up with a plan to keep all my pre-teens (7th graders) quiet and happy. But today I had no problems. With a classroom full of computers and a website that supports all kinds of learning, I was able to direct all the students to a thoroughly engaging website called MedMyst: Medical Mysteries on the Web.
The students were captivated by the storyline that placed them in a simulation of future world of 2254 after a great plague. They played the role of a new recruit being trained to solve medical mysteries. Students are exposed to a wealth of high quality information on epidemiology, all in a game-like environment. Each student proceeded at their own pace in learning pathways of their own choosing. The students were focused, quiet, happy and most importantly learning about disease and pathogens. I believe that they learned in a much deeper and more satisfying way than I could ever provide using the traditional (boring) methods.
There is enough on this one website for several forty-five minute period classes. To me this is a glimpse into the future of education. Online game-like learning modules like these will fully engage students and allow them to differentiate their own learning while providing the best information the web can provide.
Hurrah for technology. I believe in the future!
