Linking Technology and the Use of Computer Resources in the Teaching-Learning Process: Apps and Educational Games for Students

“Technology is a gift from God” as well as “computers are a blessing too”. It is a blessing and is widely used for communication, education, medication, distance learning, publishing, home improvement, security improvement, quick spread of information, and a lot more things that people do. “It can bring distance places and people together, establishing invisible but powerful connection”. It also seems like all things done by human beings are already linked to technology. One famous business is establishing an internet café or investing on a computer shop. A lot of people can benefit to this kind of business, specially to those who doesn’t have computer and internet access at home. People can go online, have information on what is the latest news from all over the world, be connected to friends from afar, get easy access on what they want to know and more of it. For students, it is an opportunity to research on the assignments or requirements given by the teacher. They can easily access the internet to get the information they needed. All information from the subjects taught in school are amazingly found online.

But despite the good benefits we can get from the internet cafes or computer shops, some students tend to abuse the use and the purpose of computers and computer shops. In my observation, some internet cafes are used for computer gaming alone. I know someone who goes home late at night and had a failing grade because of his addiction to computer games. A high school student lies to his mom, saying “Mom, can I go to the internet café? I have something to research for my assignment”, but the reality, he plays DOTA, Counter Strike, or whatever game it is. Then they do it again, they become addicted to it. Wasting time, money, effort and an opportunity to have good grades in school. This leads to dishonesty and incompetency. Our parents may not know but GOD knows. Excessive computer game habits may lead to depression and decreases your ability to be productive.

 Let us be aware that computers and computer shops are useful and are beneficial to all who use it. But let us not be controlled by computers. As a student, I can use a computer in so many ways that will help improve my grades and be creative in so many ways. I can improve my skills in editing a photo, a video, post something helpful, know how to create a blog and more. Improper use of computer can affect the learning and can cause trouble on the development of a leaner. If a student abuse and misuse the internet, it will surely have an unfavorable effects on his moral life.

As a future educator, we cannot prohibit the students to stop playing computer games. Because the reality stays, we cannot control them. If they want to play using their computers or any of their gadgets, let them play! They want a game? Then give them educational games such as:

-        Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree

-        Dr. Brain

-        EcoQuest

-        Genomics Digital Lab

-        Gus Goes to Cybertown

-        Math Blaster

-        Quest Atlantis

-        Reader Rabbit

-        The Magic School Bus

Also, let us make use of the educational software’s that are downloadable. Such as:

-        Encarta

-        GeoGebra

-        Accelerated Reader

-        Google Earth

-        The Clue Finders

-        Edmark

-        Fun School

For teachers, simply implement some study materials that are found online or make your students explore on websites such as Edmodo.com and Blogger.com. Also, give practice tests and online quizzes to enhance their learning development and make wise use of computers and the internet.

Learning is indeed fun! With computers available anywhere or even at home, we can wisely use it for educational purposes by downloading some of the educational games and software mentioned above. Together, let us link technology and the use of computer resources in the teaching-learning process. Please let us know your comments and suggestions by typing on the box below.