Technology Purchase Order Has Arrived!

Parents & Teachers:

As many of you know half of our technology purchase order has arrived. I plan to review the items for everyone as I hope teachers find many ways to integrate the technology into your own lessons, and parents wanting to purchase items for home use will have the needed details.

The first item posted here is Zoo Tycoon 2 "Zookeeper's collection". This is a simulation software where students have total control over a zoo, they have to create animal display environments that will impress, amaze, and attract visitors, and keep each type of animal happy in an area best suited for their needs. Also they have to create concession stands, take care of the animals and handle problems like escaped lions all while balancing the books & trying to turn a profit.

Simulation games such as the granddaddy of all, Oregon Trail, have been around for a long time. Though many educators see the powerful learning experiences they offer, they often have difficulty integrating them into a unit for a variety of practical reasons.

I was very pleased that the National Educational Technology Standards(NETS) added simulations to their standards this year. Nearly all 50 states base their IT standards on the NETS. After this change I expect that more simulation software makers to better target their software for the K-12 market.

Where does Zoo Tycoon fit into the curriculum? Here are a list of ideas: