Peace Corps Game
Filed Under (Environment, Culture, Education) by Patti Ruffing on 19-07-2009
I came across an interesting interactive game for kids called Peace Corps Challenge. It is run by The Peace Corps and gives them the opportunity to visit a “village” that has a contaminated water supply. I don’t know yet if there are other problems to solve beside the water issue. Students “talk” with villagers and get clues on how to react to their comments and also what might be at the root of the problem. It offers an opportunity to observe cultural differences and how to respond to them. Students are encouraged to leave the village better off because they have been there. Vocabulary is explained.
when they would not drink it. Or would take a sip and then walk away. I introduced Web 2.0 tools, trained them in using features in Discovery Streaming, promoted great websites. “Thanks, great presentation.” Then, nothing happens. No one, or almost no one, sees the need to try to incorporate what was in the presentation, even when I give examples of how it can be used. The biggest excuse for my teachers is not enough time. “If I didn’t have a class of 35, then I could sit down and try these things.” If an administrator feels they are justified and overworked, he or she may not push for integration for that reason. Our teachers are scheduled for one-on-one with me (taking up all the slots that the Spanish classes would have taken) but many of them never show. There is no penalty if they don’t. Do I chase them down? Only rarely, because I often feel like an unwelcome visitor at the door, someone who is going to make them feel uncomfortable. And besides, in that empty slot I can unjam a printer, reprogram someone’s swipe card, order ink cartridges, and get the next month’s events on the website. My confession.
Polliwog who still is not quite sure where to type a URL in a browser? I no longer can hold group sessions that will meet everyone’s needs, since they are now all in different places. I am willing to be there for anyone who wants me in the classroom, anyone who wants to try something new and needs support. But if someone adamantly refuses, perhaps I have to let the chips fall where they may. Except, the kids deserve better. If you cannot type a URL in a browser then you are CHOOSING not to learn. I can not fight that with any amount of cheese and crackers.
to the horse if it will not bend down, perhaps saying, “Let’s just really feel comfortable with this ONE strategy rather than ten of them. But if the horse balks and refuses to budge, I reserve the right to spend more time with the ones eager to jump the next fence, even if they have to circle it a few times to get up courage. We are adults. If there is no intrinsic motivation, no desire to learn, how can we make any progress?
