Should Students Play Games (software) in school?

After reviewing the background reading articles (the last link would not open) from the textbook I did not change my position. I do believe that students should be allowed to play software games at school. There are so many great, educational games that are available that correlate with the Course of Study that I believe this type of activity is beneficial to students. I even use them as a whole class review for my third grade math class. The students are much more involved in a review using a Jeopardy game than they are just using a study guide and pencil.

The background articles reported negative results with extreme usage. Just like everything else software games should be used in moderation.

Web 2.0 Resources

How did I like the resources we had to use for this project?

Glogster
I really like the idea of Glogster. I will probably use it in the future in my classroom. I like that you can have all of your links and video for a lesson plan in one place. I found the website to load very slowly on occasion and I found that frustrating.
Famous African Americans with ties to Alabama


Animoto
I have used Animoto several times in the past both personally and professionally. I find it is very easy and quick to use. It is a great way to incorporate technology into any lesson.
Famous African Americans with ties to Alabama video


FAKE Book
I think this is so cute! My students are obsessed with Facebook, but thankfully most of their parents do not allow them to have it since they are only in the third grade. They would love to use this to complete a research project. I would have to purchase the full version so the ads would be removed. They are such a distraction.
Rosa Parks Fakebook
Martin Luther King, Jr. Fakebook

Introduce Yourself

To all my friends and family, I haven't gone crazy. I know you know me! I started graduate school this week. It is an education technology class. We have to do weekly blog posts. This week's topic is introduce yourself.

So here it goes-
I am a Christian wife, mom to two (a 3 1/2 year old girl and 3 month old boy), and a teacher. I have been married for five years to my best friend. We live in my husband's hometown. It has taken me a while to get used to living in a small town without all the conveniences of a big city. You can't replace the support and love in a small town though.
I love, love being a mom. Our children have brought so much joy and definitely completed our lives. The adjustment from one child to two children has been pretty easy for us. Baby brother fits right in with our crazy schedule/routine.
I finally graduated with my bachelor's degree from Troy University in the fall of 2010. I got a job at the school where I interned and hope my children attend. Since beginning my teaching career I have taught fourth grade Alabama History, fourth grade reading, and now third grade math, science, and social studies. I love my job, students, and school.
I am working to earn my Master's degree in Library Media. I do not really have plans to leave the classroom any time soon, but if the perfect opportunity presents itself I want to be ready. More pay would be nice too!
Life is good! I have been blessed with far more than I deserve.