Reading Response: "Powering up Homemade PowerPoint Games"

In the article “Powering up Homemade PowerPoint Games” Jason Siko and Michael Barbour discuss a creative idea of using PowerPoints to create games. They allow the students in an environment chemistry class at Clarkston High School in Clarkston, Michigan to make a game on any topic related to environmental chemistry. The students were not allowed to create a simple jeopardy style game, but were encouraged to make more adventurous games.  The students were guided in creating these games over a period of time, and results showed that the games helped boost these students’ scores. According to the authors, the students who were once at risk were now testing well on their assessment. I believe this is because the students had the opportunity to be involved in their own learning.

I think this is a cool idea for older kids, as a possible research project. The students could do research on a topic, and then create a game based on what they learn. It would be a fun way to get the students excited about learning, as well as learning technology skills. I would like to learn more about how to create these games, and determine if there is an easy way to implement in lower grade levels as well because I think the process could be beneficial to students’ achievement in school.

This process goes along with standards 1, 3, and 6 of the ISTE Student Standards. For Standard 1, which represents creativity, the students are able to come up with themes to incorporate in their games. The themes make the games more fun, and allow the students to “create original works as a means of personal or group expression” (ISTE Student Standards 1b 2008). Also the students have to research their topic, which falls under standard 3. The students have to “evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks” (ISTE Student Standards 3c 2008). In order to do this the students must pick a topic, and then research the appropriate information that will be included in their game, and also making sure the information is factual. The students must also “understand and use technology systems” (ISTE Student Standards 6a 2008). Since this project looks like it can be somewhat complicated, the students must have an understanding of the product they are using. Without this knowledge the project would be difficult for these students.

Siko, J. & Barbour, M. (2013). Powering up homemade PowerPoint games. Learning & Leading with Technology, 41(3), 26-29.