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We know that getting started is the hardest part of introducing anything new to students. Add in the fact that DimensionU is a multiplayer video game and you may be feeling overwhelmed. But rest assured--your students will pick up the game quickly (and can teach you a thing or two)!
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Here are a few tips to help you get started with DimensionU:
Your Introduction - First impressions are important. Some advice for when you introduce DimensionU to your students is to consider emphasizing the fact that they'll be using a math/literacy 'program'. Try to refrain from leading with the words "video game". This helps put DimensionU into an educational context for the kids, and makes it easier to establish goals and expectations throughout the year. Have a Plan - Which game will your students play and for how long? Will all your students be working on the same Level or will you differentiate? As with any lesson plan, be sure you have parameters set. Establish Goals - You set goals for your students all the time, educational gaming is no different. Will the goal be to answer a certain number of questions correctly? To get a high score or earn 90% accuracy? Having clear goals and expectations can help everyone stay on task. Be sure your students have their paper, pencil, or calculator handy as well, just as they would during a lesson. Don't Stress - Not a gamer? THAT'S OK because your students probably are. Remember- your job is to teach, not to play the game. If you never play an actual game, you're still using DimensionU correctly! You are their resource, their teacher, --although, you may surprise yourself by wanting to get in the game afterall! |
Selecting Curriculum
Our primary roles as facilitator during a DimensionU lesson includes determining which students will be working on which skills. Don't overcomplicate this- perhaps start by having your entire class working on the same content. Once you're more comfortable, you can begin differentiating.
Remember- students working on various levels, topics, and skills within DimensionU can do so anonymously. This means your student who works 2 grade levels below the others can be at his or her independent level and still be in the same gameroom as their classmates. Just think of the self-esteem boost this can offer to a child who might not see themselves as good at math!
The chart below can be used as a guide in determining the Level to have your students work on. For more details results (including grade level), check out our curriculum alignment tool.
Remember- students working on various levels, topics, and skills within DimensionU can do so anonymously. This means your student who works 2 grade levels below the others can be at his or her independent level and still be in the same gameroom as their classmates. Just think of the self-esteem boost this can offer to a child who might not see themselves as good at math!
The chart below can be used as a guide in determining the Level to have your students work on. For more details results (including grade level), check out our curriculum alignment tool.
Elementary School |
Middle/High School |
D |
G |
E |
H |
F |
I |
G |
Algebra |
You know your students best-- don't get too caught up on the grade level and instead take a look at how your students respond to the question sets during a game.
When selecting skill(s), 2-3 per gaming session is typically recommended. However, selecting more skills can offer an opportunity to review semester or year long content. The documents below denote the topics and skills within each level.
When selecting skill(s), 2-3 per gaming session is typically recommended. However, selecting more skills can offer an opportunity to review semester or year long content. The documents below denote the topics and skills within each level.
