Walk Down Memory Lane

When I first started teaching (in the last century) I bought Oregon Trail (Apple IIe).   Later getting some other games that were developed to run on Apple GS.  My very favorite at that time was the MECC Word Muncher game.  My students loved the games back then. (Many of you might remember playing them as students).

Well imagine my delight when I was reading some posts on ilearntechnology and she talked about the original simulation game Oregon Trail.  You have to remember that by today's standards the  graphics and interactivity are very basic.  As I was busy remembering my first love affair with technology, I wondered how I might use it in today's classroom with video sophisticated students?  The original post had a wonderful suggestion - use it to introduce the history of technology and how things have changed.

Compare the modern game of Oregon Trail to the original.  The Virtual Apple site has all those old games on it, adapted so today's users can play on line.  Hip Hip Hoo-Rey!  I think i'll go play a few rounds of Word Muncher.

Picture Word Connections

PicLits is a site that provides a collection of pictures and the option to use a word bank or the ooportunity create your own words.  You can drag and drop words from the word bank onto your picture.  At first glance it's a fun adaption of refrigerator magnets.

On second reflection, I realize that it could evolve to be much more.  The opening lines to develop a setting- language development - poetry.  Showing students ways to connect text-to-self and text-to-world.  I really like having the picture as a springboard to making deeper connections.  In years past I have used pictures from magazines to use as writing prompts.

I'm going to use this PicLits picture for this weeks writing prompt.

 
See the full PicLit at PicLits.com



See the full PicLit at PicLits.com