Super Mario Maker for Wii U What is the challenge level? Is it appropriate to skill level? The game difficulty depends on how the user customizes the game. They can put in as many or as few enemies, puzzles, and traps as they want. It has several tutorials to help the player understand all of the different ways you can interact with and customize the game, which is helpful for children who need step-by-step guided instruction. It is recommended for ages 5+. What types of choices does the user have? How immersive does a user become in the game? With each level, the player gets to customize and create the level. The player's experience of the game all depends on the choices they make about where to place all of the objects and enemies. Is navigation clear? The interface is simple with large letters and lots of visual examples at a slow pace. The tutorial walks the player through all of the different ways you can change the game in a way that eases the player from the easiest concepts such as placing a block to more difficult concepts like placing traps. How would you use this game in the classroom? This game is great for learning organizational skills, which is especially important for children with issues with executive functioning, so I would use this game as a fun tool to help those children who have difficulties organizing large tasks into smaller and easier tasks. This game also lets the player share their designs with classmates and friends, which encourages social and communication skills. Touch and Learn What is the challenge level? Is it appropriate to skill level?
The only skills required for the user is the ability to understand the app's questions and the ability to respond by pressing the face that represents their answer. The game has many ways to customize it in the settings to suit the needs and skill level of the child, such as the ability to use pictures and voices of people the child knows. It is recommended for ages 4+. Is feedback appropriate and timely? The app makes a sound immediately after the child chooses an answer. If the child answers incorrectly, they hear a neutral sound and are given the opportunity to choose a different answer. If the child answers correctly, they hear a celebration noise and a congratulatory message appears on the screen. Is navigation clear? The game itself is very clear with visual and auditory aspects. The settings are well organized and easy to customize. However, there is no tutorial which would help children and parents better navigate the app and learn to play the game. How would you use this game in the classroom? I would use this game for students with difficulties identifying and/or expressing emotional cues at appropriate times. This app would help them practice matching facial and body expressions with vocabulary about feelings.
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As I said in my “About” page, I have taught ages ranging from second grade to seniors in high school on a variety of subjects such as math, english, and physical education. While working with these students, I saw a variety of needs and learning styles in each student I taught but I felt I could not rise to the occasion and individualize each student’s learning because I had not been taught how to individualize teaching and the classroom to best fit all of their needs. Instead of allowing this frustration to deter me from teaching, it inspired me to learn how to individualize my teaching to my student’s needs.
I realized the best place to learn that skill would be in the special education field. Now that I have learned various methods to help me and my students, I have learned how important electronic tools and resources can be in the classroom. Having access to online databases with research-based teaching methods and curriculum resources helps me continuously learn and grow to be a better teacher, which increases the quality of my student’s educations. For my students, they can expand their knowledge inside and outside of the classroom by using online library databases filled with peer-reviewed articles and books at any time of day, as long as they have internet access. Assistive technology, such as a wheelchair for mobility or specialized utensils for children with gross and fine motor difficulties, help my students participate in the classroom as fully as their peers. |
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