When I was in grade school in the 1990s we learned with games like 'number muncher' and 'type adventure'. These simple games were always something the class looked forward to as an exciting break from rigid lectures. A chance to 'play games' in class.
From Type Adventure To Reading Plus
Now things have changed. Instead of Number Munchers we have complicated online software with entire curriculums for the students to learn with. Programs such as Reading Plus guide students through years of exercises, quizzes, lectures, and test work. But do the students even enjoy using the computer in class anymore? Or has it lost its excitement and just become another chalkboard in the classroom.
According to one University of Minnesota survey of 500 students from over 10 different schools, only 14% of students enjoyed using Reading Plus for learning. In fact many have turned to using cheats to get answers for reading plus like using plus-answers.org. Some sites and forums specialize in delivering students the answers to reading plus to help them get ahead. Such sites claim their answers are not hacks and actually are just an additional learning tool to help stuck students.
How can sites like reading plus improve their engagement with students? In my opinion the site has become too rigid and needs more visual elements that enthrall people with shorter attention spans. In addition the website could have a leaderboard that show which level you are on and which story. This would add a social element, and competition has long been known as a source of excitement and motivation in the class room.
