EDP332 assignment 3.2 about Games and Learning in the classroom

1. Assignment 3.2:
Games, Simulations
and Virtual Worlds
By: Jake Gordon

2. Purpose of Games &
Learning

The purpose of using games
with learning is to examine the
current movement toward using
games and game design to
enhance teaching and learning.

There are promises and pitfalls
to using games with learning

3. Promises to Games &
Learning

Allows students to use
perspective (orthographic
view, first and third person
moving into the game, point-ofview)

Involves narrative (Quest, Hero’s
Journey)

Interactivity

4. The Quest, A Hero’s Journey
Games allow students to go on a quest and learn about the
points in, A Hero’s Journey. The Hero’s Journey is widely
studied and important for students to understand. It is seen
in thousands of stories.

5. Closer, Simple Look at A
Hero’s Journey

6. WATCH: A Hero’s Journey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A
0oCA

7. Promise of Games &
Learning

Games and learning allow for
cognitive framework for problemsolving


Back story = scenario

The Quest = framework
Cut scenes = unlocking the
narrative

8. Quests
Quests allow students to do problem-based
learning, project-based learning, case-based learning and
WebQuests Design

9. Game Design

Game design allows for
interactivity. Games are series of
choices that student/people
make.

Having a choice allows for:



Engaged learning
Motivation studies
Critical thinking

10. Good vs. Bad
Good

Good aspects of bringing games
and play into the classroom:




Peer mentoring
Role reversal
Insight about students
Mirthful experience
Bad

Bad aspects of bringing games
and play into the classroom:




Conflict
Resistance to “play”
Game dynamics in classroom
Too much insight…

11. Multi-user Virtual
Environments (MUVEs)

Interactive computer simulations

Teaching projects that can use
3D multi-user environments to
immerse children/students

Can be used to foster writing
skills for certain grades

EcoMUVEs – develop a multiuser virtual environment
(MUVE)-based ecosystem
science curriculum for students.

12. Educational MUVEs

The virtual assessment project is
intended to develop and study
the feasibility of using immersive
technologies to assess students’
science inquiry learning