6 Video Games You Can Teach With Tomorrow Realistically, a “with it” teacher can teach almost anything using almost anything. I’ve been taught trigonometry using a paper clip, and expository structure using paint. Tech is great, but nowhere close to necessary. But if the underlying learning process is well-thought out, tech can provide powerful common ground for teachers and learners. So then, video games. Video games do not represent a “rising medium,” but rather one that’s established, potent, and ready for application in any content area at any grade level. We’ve talked before about the concept of gamification, which refers to applying game mechanics to any non-gaming process. These games can serve not only to introduce teachers to the concept of using video games as something beyond a gimmicky way to “engage learners,” but demonstrate that video games are a platform worthy of any classroom dedicated to any content area at any grade level. 1. Appropriate Grade Level: 8-12+ (some mature content/themes) 2. 3. 4. Science: Physics
25 Things Teachers Should Know About Gamification Gamification has been a big buzzword in education in recent times. Using game-style methods to incentivize students to get their learn on can be fun and effective teaching and learning methods.Take a look at these 25 things that all teachers should know about gamification. See Also: The 100-Second Guide To Gamification In Education From the most simple questions (like, ‘what is gamification, anyway?) to the more complex ideas (goals and structure of using gamification in your classroom) and the history of its use (The Oregon Trail), these 25 bullet points will get you started in the right direction. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. Dr.
Octalysis: Complete Gamification Framework (This is the Gamification Framework that I am most known for. Within a year, it was translated into 9 different languages and became classic teaching literature in the gamification space in the US, Europe, Australia and South America.) Octalysis: Complete Gamification Framework Gamification is design that places the most emphasis on human motivation in the process. In essence, it is Human-Focused Design (as opposed to “function-focused design”). Most processes design around function and efficiency – they try to get the job done as quickly as possible. Even though many Gamification techniques were in use long before video games were around, games were one of the earliest examples of a holistic approach to implementing Human-Based Design – so now we call it Gamification. In the past few years, I have been digging deep into the formulation of a complete framework to analyze and build strategies around the various systems of Gamification. The 8 Core Drives of Gamification 8) Loss & Avoidance
Awesome Teacher Turns Class Into Fantasy RPG | Gamers Association – Game Reviews, Previews, & Editorials With the belief that video games can make classroom learning more fun and effective, middle school teacher Richard Incorvia integrated a fantasy RPG into his course. Instead of assignments, grades, and stickers, his students fight epic battles, gain experience, and receive virtual gold to buy character upgrades. Every kid loves to see an A+ at the top of his paper, but doesn’t this sound so much more satisfying? Seriously, where were these progressive professors when I was still in grade school? Using Reddit to share his creative teaching tool with the world, Richard introduced us to Lesson Adventure. While we can’t go back to middle school and enroll in Richard’s class (I think my day’s of passing as a 13-year-old are long gone), there is nothing stopping us from making this brilliant idea a more regular reality.
5 Brilliant 'Design Your Own Game' Websites for Students There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the use of gaming in the classroom – from the ‘gamification’ of learning to the use of Minecraft to teach everything from physics to strategic thinking. Since long before education technology even existed, video games have been a hugely successful way to engage students, creating a fun and compelling environment in which they can learn, develop and interact with their peers. But allowing students to actually take control of designing the game themselves takes the concept to a whole new level, allowing them to practice a host of new creative and technical skills. Here are 5 top websites – let the games begin! 1. This brilliant website allows students a vast range of options. 2. Ideal for younger students, this game allows the player to create their own pathway for a stick man hero by spray painting a route for him onto the game board. 3. 4. 5. What ‘design your own game’ sites or tools are you using to encourage students to get creative in gaming?
Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to lessonadventure.com Free Tools to Incorporate Game-Based Learning As I work with teachers to implement game-based learning (GBL), they are always looking for any free tools that exist. While some are willing to pay for iPad game apps or using the Kinect, these tools often cost money. Luckily, there are many tools out there that are free and that teachers could use in the classroom as soon as tomorrow. Some of these tools are not only the games themselves, but also lesson plans and ideas for using the game in the classroom. iCivics Many of us know of iCivics, founded by former Chief Justice Sandra Day O'Conner to improve civics education. MangaHigh Math is the focus of Manga High. BrainPop BrainPop has an excellent selection of games to teach a variety of subjects. Teach With Portals I challenge anyone to play Portal and not feel engaged. These are just a few of my favorite GBL tools that I have used and played. This blog is part of a series sponsored by TEQ.
Effects of Video Games on our Brains ? I am really getting confused here. Just last month I posted an article entitled " Do Video Games Make Kids Violent ". This post was mainly inspired by the book I have read for Paul James Gee ( What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy. Second Edition: Revised and Updated Edition ) . Here is what Paul Gee said about video games in pages 11-13 " None of the current research even remotely suggests video games lead to real-life violence in any predictable way. In my view the issue of violence is overblown ( especially in a world where real people are regularly killing real people in wars across the world that we watch on television ). Now read the facts included in this infographic and compare the two.