PowerZone by Learning Multi-System
Posted by LisaHill - 21/04/09 at 12:04 pm
Subject Matter:Family & Consumer Sciences, Health, Math,
Science, Social Studies
Grades:3-5th grade, Middle and High School
Connecting Gaming, Motivation and Learning
At the NSTA (science teachers) conventions, I’d walk by the Learning Multi-System’s (LMS) booth and their display caught my eye. A bunch of teachers were playing an educational, interactive game, and having lots of fun.
LMS produces PowerZone, a team oriented instructional tool that helps teachers identify how well and how much their students understand a subject. Material covered ranges from:
- Beginning Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Data analysis for 3rd-5th grades
- Number skills, Algebra, Geometry & Measurement, Data Analysis & Probability for Middle to High School grades
- Earth, Life, Physical Science for Middle to High School grades
- Health, Nutrition, Alcohol & Drugs, Body Systems and related topics for Middle to High School
- American History & World Geography for Middle School
- American History, World Geography, American Government, World History, & Economics for High School
Using 3D animation, graphics and special effects, students play and learn reinforcing their knowledge in particular subjects, improve test taking skills, and improve motivation to challenge themselves.
Get a student to play a game while learning, and you have them hooked.
Gaming Time
Here’s how it works. Teachers install the PowerZone Engine CD, then eject and insert a Content CD. Teachers, or home schooling parents split up the students into four teams (pairs, or four to eight students recommended per team). On the screen, the user can select topics, state standard, or assessment.
Once selected, four spheres rotate on the screen, prompting the game manager (teacher, parent). Before starting a game, select a series of questions by clicking on the question bank sphere. A list of questions post on the computer screen. Press on the number of questions highlighted to the right, and teacher/parents can select the game question mix to match current topic material.
There are three sessions for every game period, and students are given a selected time frame to answer each question. Both the game period and question answer time can be adjusted. Students pick their team name and game piece, and click the center Start session sphere to begin the game session.
Answering the Questions
Invariably, some students may not involve themselves answering the questions, letting others complete the task. Not so, in this game. Teammates pair up to answer a question, then submit their answer card to a team leader. Or teachers and students may use Renaissance Responders (clickers) and NEO2 laptops to remotely answer each question.
Either with answer cards or responders, answers are compared, and discussed before the team leader submits the final team answer. Up to four teams can enter their answers on the game screen, and the gaming engine displays the correct question response.
Students then learn if they answered correctly, and the answer feedback reinforces the correct response. Teams earn points based on correct answers, and their tokens zip forward or backward on the graphic gaming board.
Assessment Reports
Between each gaming period, there are intermissions to review answered questions. At the game end, teachers can track and print out performance, question and topic reports to gauge individual student and classroom participation, and response.
Extra Modes
Teachers or parents can choose three different modes:
- XM Extra Media – more gaming components to elevate interest
- XM Extra Questions – increase questions and less gaming element
- XA Assessment – alternative to traditional assessment
In addition, LMS reports with the new optional ToolKit, teachers can create bonus questions, instructional resources and presentations. Content can be organized to state standards, textbook chapters and units. With Windows, teachers can create content with Word, Math Type and PowerPoint.
Want to team up against other classes? Online, students can compete across the hall, or around the world – all part of the new InterConnect capability.
What’s Received
Classrooms, or home schoolers can individually purchase the PowerZone Engine CD and Content Set CDs, which also include the team answer cards (printable from game), and PowerZone poster to post team scores.
Or purchase the PowerZone Starter Kit which includes the Engine, ToolKit, InterConnect and Content Set CDs.
Students have a blast playing the game, they’re learning and it helps educators identify student’s strength and weaknesses in different topics. The program is easy to set up and quick to operate. LMS ed techs update material to meet national and specific state standards (California, Florida, Texas), review current textbooks from major publishers and consult with educators around the country.
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.2.8 or Windows XP; 1 GB RAM and 1 GHz CPU
Contact: LMSsite.com
Cost: $89 for each Engine, Content CDs or ToolKit. $289 Site License for each Engine, Content CDs or ToolKit. Check online for individual CD costs, responders and license option fees.
