As I stated in my previous blog, I really enjoy games and think they are a great way to teach students and get them to learn on their own. Something is classified as a game as long as there is competition, rules, and winning and losing. Games are fun, which is an important factor for children. As a teacher, I want to make every lesson as interesting as possible and a game will certainly do that. The rules will let students see that in order to get from point A to point B, they have to follow the rules. This can be applied to their everyday lives because in life even adults have to follow rules and if we don't there are consequences, just like in the games. Winning is very important to students, like passing a test, so they will learn from the games that in order to win, or pass the test, they have to follow the rules, or study. Game playing can be applied to everyday life and can be very effective if introduced properly.

Simulations recreate real world experiences. Teachers can use simulations in the classroom to show students what they should do and what will really happen if they don't. River City is a great simulation that is also virtual reality. It lets the children learn about recycling and caring for the environment. When they see what happens when an area is polluted it may make them start caring more about their environment.

The good thing about games and simulations is they can be redone. Students learn from their mistakes and can try again which makes them form different ideas by experimenting. This soon will make them able to teach others who aren't experienced. This is the same process experts had to go through to get where they are. I believe games should be played by all students because not only are they having fun but they are developing critical thinking skills and ideas which they need in the real world.