Is learning more fun in a technological age?

Learning to use spreadsheets in the classroom reminded me of a math class I observed recently. I left the observation with the impression that today’s students are enthusiastic about any activity involving a computer. During my visit, students were divided into groups to play a game. The objective of the game was to get a point by finishing a problem faster than the other groups, and the team with the most points at the end of the game would get stickers.


I played similar games throughout my education, and received similar rewards. However, when I was a young student, scores were recorded as marks on the chalkboard. The math game I watched used a computer-based horse race graphic to keep score, and as a team correctly answered a problem first, their horse would move forward toward the finish line. While the game was no different than ones I had experienced, I was amazed at the difference in the students’ response to the game.


All the students were eager participants, and they alternated rushing to solve the problems, with frantic hand raising in hopes that their team would be called on first. When a point was scored and a horse moved forward, some students actually cheered. While growing up I might have enjoyed some of the games, but I don’t remember anyone cheering when another chalk line was drawn on the board. What a difference a computer made.