Week #4 Introduction to the range of Literacies

Assignment#1 Answer the following questions (where to post this assignment: Blog)

1. What gaming elements provide users the learning content and how? (Refer to the journal article page 4).

Game: Classic Word Search

• Text:The game starts off with a tutorial video on how to play the game for users who are new to the game. There is a skip option to dismiss this section of the game if users are not new to the game. Throughout the game there is a timer for each round to let the player know how much time they have left ti find the words listed on that particular level. In addition there is a pause button for an option to pause the game and a hint option for players who need hints to find the word. 
• Visual-graphic elements: There are different colors to choose to find the word, such as red, and the letters are in a standard block dimension in a black and brown format. When a wird is found by the player, the word stays red until all words are crossed off the puzzle.
• Audio elements: When you get the word right there is a low pitched ringing sound as a celebration method. In the background music that is subtle and that goes with the theme of a "jungle experience" is playing. 

2. What is the goal of the game? The goal of the game is to find all the hidden words in each of the puzzles on different levels while the clock is ticking to advance to the next level or loose.

3. What are rules of playing this game? The rules are you only get 3 hints and after 3 hints you are only left to beat the clock before you have to restart the level. 

4. Does this game have any scenario design? (Refer to the journal article page 5.) If yes, is this a fabricated or embedded in curriculum-related content? No. The game is designed to motivate players to cross off and find as many words as they can within a certain time frame from a mix of scattered words. 

Assignment#2 Create a simple ELA lesson plan addressing the following components (where to post this assignment: Blog)

 Instructional strategies and learning tasks (including what you and the students will be doing) that support diverse student needs.

     1)       Students will complete the game of Word Search: Classic using classroom IPADS and/or computers for at least three rounds.

     2)       Students will then write down in their journals the following:

-What was the challenges of completing this game?

- What was the fun aspect of utilizing this game?

-Is there anything they would change about the game and if so why?

     3)       Once students are done reflecting on the game they will get a chance to discuss their reflection with their partner for 5 minutes .

Assessment:

    1)      Students will be assessed based on their participation in the group discussion.

4   2 )       Ask students to share their ideas with their partner or group.

      Debriefing:

     1) Students will debrief their experience in playing the game by participating in the classroom discussion and reflecting on what they wrote in their journals. 

,    What new literacies skills do this game help to cultivate?

     1) decoding

     2) awareness of print

     3) spelling