Using Game-Based Learning To Deepen Students Understanding Of Material: Susan Moore
Susan Moore
Susan Moore, also known as “The Integrator”, leads the highly innovative Blended Learning team for Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut.
Sue is always looking for new and creative ways to engage kids with rigorous STEM content while reinforcing key concepts from core curriculum.
She decided to explore using game-based learning because “when students can transfer their learning to new applications it helps deepen their understanding of material!”. And of course, students love the engagement of games.
Sue has used Legends for three years now, but the key to success with Legends was to clearly identify early on how the program supports teachers with learning both the “why” and “where” it fits into instruction and the “how” of using the program in the classroom. Critical to Legends’ success in Meriden has been leveraging power users to get other teachers excited.
According to Sue, “one of the greatest things about Legends is the immediate connection it creates between students and teachers. When a student logs on for the first time and sees his/her teacher’s Legends avatar the reactions are priceless and the teachers are instantly elevated from Instructor to Science Super Hero.”
Sue’s favorite moments are getting into classrooms and watching students solve complex problems, fail, iterate and ultimately succeed. The excitement, perseverance and sheer joy in accomplishing hard tasks demonstrate the love of learning Sue hopes to help instill in all students, every day.
