Video games have become very popular over the last several years. They certainly have had an increasing affect on children as it seems these methods of entertainment have completely taken most children’s attentions. If only that attention could be similarly captured in the classroom somehow, students could learn so much more and certainly more effectively. Actually, there is a way. There are many educational video games, but we certainly would not want to bring these Wii, Playstation, or Xbox platforms into the school. However, there is that great technological tool which can now be found in most classrooms known as the computer. A wide variety of educational software exists for use on the computer which can be utilized in the classroom.
In an elementary classroom, many teachers are required to teach their students all subjects. JumpStart is a title of educational software which reinforces learning for all content areas. I have found this program to be wonderful for students. There is a JumpStart program for each grade level so students are learning concepts that they should be learning. For example, the JumpStart 4th Grade software provides learning about parts of speech, spelling and vocabulary, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, prime numbers, fractions, decimals, estimation, science, geography, music, arts, and history at the fourth grade level. As with all of the JumpStart programs, it also offers challenging activities, games, and adventures to keep them interested. Students are able to work at their own pace, too. This educational software would most certainly boost students’ interests and gain their attention just as a video game would. Even better, they would be learning the necessary skills required at their grade levels.
The use of the JumpStart series would meet many objectives and goals in the classroom by meeting the needs and interests of the students while also submitting to their continuing educational needs. It would definitely satisfy technology related standards and would reinforce lessons on many of the educational standards required at a specific grade level. Additionally, there are even JumpStart programs for advanced students to meet the needs of gifted and talented students.
I have even used JumpStart software at home with my own children and found that they enjoy this software very much. My son, who enjoys video games too much, actually preferred using the JumpStart program over his usual video games. It definitely captured his interests. Therefore, I am confident that it would capture students’ interests in the classroom as well. Of course, some of the content may be too advanced for some students, especially at the beginning of the year. For this reason, I would offer students the use of a JumpStart program from a prior grade level initially, allowing them to move on upon completion of that software. Then, the advanced software for that grade level could be utilized.
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