I’m still reeling over my NECC experience. Not because of the sessions that were offered, not because of the enormous amount of people that converged upon San Antonio, but because of the many people, most of them like-minded about the edtech community, that I was able to converse with. But this is not a NECC reflection post. That will come later (I think/hope).

Since the ‘new’ thing to do is to have every unit have a unit essential question (admins and curriculum specialists are ALMOST there, now they just have to get on board with Project Based Learning), I will ask one: What affect does play have on learning?

I’ve spoken in the past about my gaming experiences. I’m sure many can say that my present run in gaming has led to my recent hiatus in blogging. Can’t deny that fact is partially true. I see in my gaming experiences many opportunities to learn, cooperate and collaborate with other individuals (adults and teens alike, as I have both in my online gaming guild).

So where has play gone in the school day? I know at my school, recess is a forbidden part of the day. Taboo to even think of asking for permission to go out for? It seems that the only play many of our students are getting these days is through the physical education programs. And even that is pretty non-existent. Let’s step back a step or two first.

As some of you may or may not know, my educational background is in physical education. Playing at it’s finest. Playing within a set of boundaries, rules or guidelines. I’ve never regretted taking what many people call as an ‘easy’ route to getting an education degree. Hogwash I say. Try supervising almost 60 to 70 students at a time, outside with no walls to contain them, all the while making sure they are kept active and engaged. Anyone that can do that can handle a classroom job with NO problems. These experiences have taught me that there are two types of playing. Simply put: structured and unstructured.

Structured play is what you see out on the fields and in the gymnasiums of schools. Being taught by physical educators with sound pedagogical knowledge. Learning DOES take place. It might not have anything to to with A,B,C’s or what a noun is, even though many PE teachers are now expected to incorporate concepts dealing with standardized testing into their curriculums, our students must work within those sets of boundaries given to them, work collaboratively with fellow classmates for a common goal: To Win. Yes, I said it…that DREADED “C” word. competition.

I’ve contemplated making this one SUPER long entry, i don’t think I can express myself that much in one sitting and give it justice. My time at the Strong Museum of Play today in Rochester left me reeling and with many thoughts. Food for thought though:

Don’t know about all of you…but I think Dr. Brown got it right on. Don’t believe me? Video tape any class out at recess, if they are allowed to go out for it still.

Seeking the Wisdom of the Ages…

Tom.