Prompt: ASSURE Model divides technology integration into six phases. When it comes to integrating game-based learning into your instruction, which phase(s) do you think is the most critical? What are the elements/steps a teacher should pay particular attention to? Support your choices by citing sources from the module’s reading.
Assure Model
When thinking about integrating game-based learning into my instruction, it's hard to determine which phases of the Assure model is more critical because they all fit together to make learning successful. However, there are certain elements that I tend to pay more attention to when searching and planning to incorporate games into my classroom.
The first phase that I see as being first and foremost is analyzing my learners characteristics. Analyzing learners will tell me age, gender, background, ability level, learning styles, and prerequisite skills my students may already have. Specifically within that category, I try to make an intentional note about the students learning styles. “not all people have the same abilities; not all of us learn in the same way” (Gardner, 1993, p, 21). Throughout my time in the classroom, I have learned that teacher talk is not sufficient. This is another reason why integrating game-based learning into my instruction is becoming even more important. While students learn in different ways, I think it is fair to say every child enjoys a good game. Games are a way to ignite the love for learning, in ways that weren't possible before.
The second phase that I see as more critical is the use of materials and resources. In our reading, we learned about the 5P's to apply to teacher or student based learning. The concept of previewing the materials, preparing materials, preparing the environment, preparing the learners, and providing the learning experience is huge to me. Without this component, I'm not sure a lesson could ever be successful. Previewing the materials would give insight as to if the game or content correctly addresses the lesson standards and objectives. One lesson learned, never skip this step. Always preview the materials. Preparing the materials is collecting all pieces that are essential to have a successful learning experience. In short, be prepared. Preparing the environment means ensuring the environment in which the students will learn supports the type of lesson/game. For example. are the students working together so the desks need to be close to each other or do the students need headphones for audio aspects of the learning experience? Think of and prepare these ahead of time. Next is preparing the learners, this means informing students of what is expected. Students should be aware of the learning objective, be exposed to new vocabulary, etc. Students should have all the tools they need to be successful. Lastly, providing the learning experience. Be sure to have in mind if this learning is presenter led or student led because the experience is very different. In my classroom, we strive to have as many student led experiences as possible. Students are the facilitators and guide their learning as much as possible.
In conclusion, I believe that all steps in the ASSURE model are important and they fit together to make a successful learning experience for students. For example, I spoke about analyzing learners' characteristics and materials, but without evaluating the students growth and learning...it doesn't work. All aspects are truly essential. I chose to focus on analyzing learners' characteristics and materials because they seem to be the foundation to create a successful learning experience. Without these two steps being completed effectively, the experience wouldn't reach it's full ability.
The first phase that I see as being first and foremost is analyzing my learners characteristics. Analyzing learners will tell me age, gender, background, ability level, learning styles, and prerequisite skills my students may already have. Specifically within that category, I try to make an intentional note about the students learning styles. “not all people have the same abilities; not all of us learn in the same way” (Gardner, 1993, p, 21). Throughout my time in the classroom, I have learned that teacher talk is not sufficient. This is another reason why integrating game-based learning into my instruction is becoming even more important. While students learn in different ways, I think it is fair to say every child enjoys a good game. Games are a way to ignite the love for learning, in ways that weren't possible before.
The second phase that I see as more critical is the use of materials and resources. In our reading, we learned about the 5P's to apply to teacher or student based learning. The concept of previewing the materials, preparing materials, preparing the environment, preparing the learners, and providing the learning experience is huge to me. Without this component, I'm not sure a lesson could ever be successful. Previewing the materials would give insight as to if the game or content correctly addresses the lesson standards and objectives. One lesson learned, never skip this step. Always preview the materials. Preparing the materials is collecting all pieces that are essential to have a successful learning experience. In short, be prepared. Preparing the environment means ensuring the environment in which the students will learn supports the type of lesson/game. For example. are the students working together so the desks need to be close to each other or do the students need headphones for audio aspects of the learning experience? Think of and prepare these ahead of time. Next is preparing the learners, this means informing students of what is expected. Students should be aware of the learning objective, be exposed to new vocabulary, etc. Students should have all the tools they need to be successful. Lastly, providing the learning experience. Be sure to have in mind if this learning is presenter led or student led because the experience is very different. In my classroom, we strive to have as many student led experiences as possible. Students are the facilitators and guide their learning as much as possible.
In conclusion, I believe that all steps in the ASSURE model are important and they fit together to make a successful learning experience for students. For example, I spoke about analyzing learners' characteristics and materials, but without evaluating the students growth and learning...it doesn't work. All aspects are truly essential. I chose to focus on analyzing learners' characteristics and materials because they seem to be the foundation to create a successful learning experience. Without these two steps being completed effectively, the experience wouldn't reach it's full ability.
Complete all phases and I "assure" you, your students will be successful in learning.