Homework Is it all a

Game?
A WebQuest for 9th-12th Grade Algebra II

Designed by

Fran Kaplan

e.kaplan@law.fcsl.edu




Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page



Introduction
Like most students today, playing games is much more entertaining than
doing your homework. In an attempt to incorporate your interests, your
teacher is willing to consider assigning homework via these games or phone
apps. Your teacher and parents are mostly concerned that the use of these
games will not assist you in learning the material. You will be working in
groups of five and evaluating a minimum of five games per group. Each
game that is evaluated must take into consideration the student, parent,
and teacher point of view. Each student must examine at least one game
from each point of view. Any game that is based upon information covered
during this course (which can be found using the syllabus or text table of
contents) can be used. Each group cannot exceed more than two games per
topic (i.e. two games on functions and one game on quadratic functions
would not be acceptable because there are now three games covering
functions).a
The Task
You can review any Algebra II related games (that would be considered school
appropriate) the game can be from an app store or a website. The game must
either teach the information to be learned during this course or help to
reinforce it, by allowing you (the student) to practice the technique taught.
For each game reviewed, the group should give a synopsis of what the game
was about/how it is played, what content from the course is covered, and how
they know it is not inappropriate for school)
Each student must review at least one game from each of the point of views
(student, teacher, parent) mention.
When evaluating from the teachers perspective discuss the how the
game is the appropriate age-level for you and your friends, how
difficult the material is, how the information is being presented (as
the lesson or as the review), and finally what value it provides to the
student
When evaluating from the parents perspective discuss what the
educational value is of each game and why should the game by used
instead of a book
When evaluating from the students perspective discuss how you
think the game helps you and why you liked it (the why part does not
need to be educational)
As a group of state whether you think the game is one that would be useful if
implemented and explain your position
Finally, evaluate as a group the overall usefulness of games in math classes
and specifically in this class.



The Process
1. You will be assigned groups of five, which have been posted on the board.
When I allow you to break into your groups, get together and get contact
information for your group members.
2. You are free to use any source you would like for the games, keeping in
mind the game must be educational and meet the purpose of this
assignment. You will earn extra points for the uniqueness of your games (so
if you found five games that meet the criteria and no other group has it, you
will earn extra points).
3. You must provide the name of the game and how it can be accessed.
4. Once you have decided on your five games, decide who will evaluate each
game from which perspective.
As the Teacher consider:
Is the game age or grade appropriate
Is the game productive or helpful to the students
Is it relevant to the class
Is there any prior knowledge or skills that are needed to play
these games
Is the game acceptable to replace homework assignments
How long does it take to play the game
What skills does the student need to know before he/she can
play this game
Is it possible to assign a grade to the student who completed the
game
If so, how will I determine the grade?
How can I tell if learning took place?
What is your final recommendation
Is this a game you would use in your classroom why or
why not
As the Parent consider:
Is the student learning material related to what is being taught
in class
Is the game beneficial to their learning
Does/Should the student have enough prior knowledge to
actually play the game
Will the game increase the students interest in math
What skills is my student learning when he/she plays this game
Did my student have the knowledge to play this game
Does my student still need to work some problems with pencil
and paper? Why/Why not?
Is my student enjoying this game?
Does this game make my student more interested in math?
Can I play the game with my student?
What if my student gets stuck and doesn't know how to do the
math on the game...then what does he/she do?
Why should I let my student play this game on the computer
(especially if he is grounded).
What is your final recommendation
Will the student learn or reinforce something already
learned why or why not
Student:
Is the game enjoyable or entertaining
Are the graphics good
Will you be able to stay focused on the game
Did the game help you learn anything or reinforce your learning
Can you play with other students and keep score
Why or why not is this game enjoyable
How do you think the game could be improved to make it more
enjoyable
Do you think this game could be counted as a grade
Would you want it to be
Do I need to use paper to write out some of the problems
What is your final recommendation
Would this game be enjoyable to play in class or even at
home why or why not
5. As a group discuss each game and your recommendation for each game
State your view as a group on the application of this game in our class
6. You should state your roles and give support for your recommendations for
each game
7. Make your final recommendations as a group for the use of games in all
math courses and specifically in ours (Algebra 2).
8. This assignment should be typed up in a newsletter format in Microsoft
Publisher
It should be no less than one full page to no more than eight pages
(there will be no additional points for length)
The newsletter should begin with an overview of the assignment so
the readers of the newsletter will understand what the purpose of it is
There should be five reviews (one for each game) including all points
of view discussed above as well as a picture for each game
You can present the information in multiple formats
paragraphs, surveys, graphs, tables, or any other unique way
that would present the information
The newsletter should end by discussing
The pros and cons of using games for homework assignments in
class
Your groups view on the application of games (as a whole) in
math classes generally and Algebra 2 specifically
Make sure to explain your rationale
If applicable state what adjustments could be made in
class or to the game to make it work
Your groups view on the assignment


Evaluation
You will be evaluated with the following rubric:
Kaplan Rubric -
Webquest Math Games.xlsx



Click on the student sample (created in Microsoft Publisher) below to see an
example of your project:
Kaplan Student
Sample Newsletter.pdf

Conclusion
This exercise will hopefully help you to learn more about the resources
available to you outside of class to help you improve your math skills and
better understand the struggles your teacher has in finding new and exciting
ways to provide the material to you.



Credits & References
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech011.shtml


http://webquest.org/index-create.php


http://www.csus.edu/indiv/r/rodriguezr/Computer%20Class/rodriguezr14/Computers/Webquest/
Making%20a%20Webquest.html


http://eduscapes.com/sessions/travel/create.htm