Technology games are a great way to draw students in and make learning about technology more interesting. I use a variety of games and activities in my classroom. Here are some tips on how to use technology games in the college classroom.

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Tips for using technology games in academics

On the first day of the class, I use technology games to help the class get to know each other. I try to pair the top students with low performing students for the games and have them sit next to each other.

All my classes are in the morning, so I use some physical activities to warm up the students. Or I do these in the middle of the class when I sense they are getting tired. When it comes to difficult concepts, such as the “nested loop” in COP 1000, I write up some algorithms and let the students follow the algorithm step by step to do some physical activities.

I also use a variety of presentations styles to mix things up, such as short videos, students’ presentations, props, etc.

Overall, using technology games in the classroom is a bonding experience for the students. Throughout the course, the students go through happy moments, frustrations, top of the hill gratifications and more.  In the end, the courses draw people closer to each other.

Jun ‘Thomas’ Ma earned his Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He earned his MBA from Salisbury University in Maryland. He taught six years at Shorecrest Preparatory School as a Math/Computer Science teacher. He most recently served as the Math Department Chair at Admiral Farragut Academy. He was one of the three 2014 recipients for the Barrett Family Foundation for Excellence in Math/Science Teacher Award. He is currently a Computer Science faculty at SPC Seminole.