DEJ #9: What Kids Learn that is Positive from Video Games

"At the second level players learn about what to do in any particular game (and, equally
important, what not to do).  In other words  they learn the rules.  The rules of any game
teach you what is possible and/or doable in that environment, and video and computer
games are no exception.  One finds out by playing, for example, whether the rules of a
shooting game allow you to attack a player on your own team, or whether a simulation
game allows you to do destructive (or self-destructive) acts."

-- I think this is a very important factor to why video games should be involved in the classroom. For this very reason! By exploring all the different options in a situation, students can identify which option is the best. In a video game or simulation, there are no real world consequences. It's a safe place to explore all the possible outcomes for certain decisions. Personally, I think that students want to be able to see what will happen if they make a mistake. As strong as the need to succeed is, the need to be curious and explore is just as strong. Therefore, video games are a wonderful way to allow them to tap into this curiosity and teach them at the same time!

Prensky, M. (n.d.). What Kids Learn That’s POSITIVE From Playing Video Game. In marcprensky.com. Retrieved March 27, 2012



A piece of an article on why making mistakes in video games can be helpful:

Learning from Mistakes

One reason that games (outside of gambling) are such a great escape from the real world is that bad consequences are rarely serious or lasting.

• "It's only a game."
• If you lose, start the game over and try again.
• Often, it's possible to recover within a game, and to use what you have learned to successfully complete a task.
• Characters and pieces may die, but this is rarely permanent.
• There are no consequences for the player personally.

Grades can tell students if they have failed to learn something, but for a variety of reasons, students may not make good use of that feedback.

• By the time students get their grades, it's often too late to do anything about them. So it's not possible to correct mistakes.
• The value of grades is for rewards that are not part of the learning process like parental approval, reduced car insurance, access to a good job or medical school.
• There is probably no way to escape from giving grades, but games that allow students to assess their knowledge for themselves give them a chance to see where they are having trouble before a test.
  
  
  
  Why Use Games to Teach? (n.d.). In http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/games/whygames.html. Retrieved March 27, 2012
  
  

Gardens of Time

      Gardens of Time uses several of the items listed in the article, '10 Things Schools can Learn from Video Games.' For example, production. Gardens of Time allows you to built and create your very own garden. After you complete each level, you are allotted more items to choose from to add! You can also share things with your neighbors to help them create their garden as well. It also employs Ordered Problems. Sometimes while I am about to start a level, I search for items in the level before starting. That way, I can get higher scores because I can complete the level faster. Instead of clicking right away, I take time to access the level and get more bonus points. Gardens of Time also takes Relationships Into Consideration because you have to interact with your neighbors in the game. You share things with one another and help one another! Interaction is also highly involved in Gardens of Time. There is a script and premade characters that help and guide you along your quests. They give you a back story and a goal to work towards. Finally, Gardens of Time employs the Cycle of Expertise. It allows you to complete certain tasks and obtain the knowledge of how to finish certain levels before you move on. You may have to go back to a certain level several times to get the stars you need before it will allow you to move forward. That way, you're prepared for the extra challenges in the next levels.  

10 Things Schools Can Learn From Video Games (2012, January 20). In Learning In Gaming. Retrieved March 26, 2012 

My Garden

 

DEJ #8: 10 Things Schools Can learn from Video Games.

"Taking Relationships into consideration. Modern video games are encouraging players to think about relationships and not just isolated incidents, actors and facts. In the game ‘Civilization’, players need to evaluate actions of the enemy, surroundings and future consequences. In the ‘Total War’ series, players are suggested to consider the diplomatic standings of surrounding nations in making decisions within the game. In World of Warcraft players are encouraged to join guilds, raids, and take on an active and unique role within raids and other tasks. Each player contributes to the solution based on their abilities and skill. This encompasses the relationship between players working together to solve a problem, or asymmetrical co-operation."

10 Things Schools Can Learn From Video Games (2012, January 20). In Learning In Gaming. Retrieved March 26, 2012 

-- I had never really thought about how video games could improve social interaction. In fact, I've always thought that video games did just the opposite. World of Warcraft is a great example because such a variety of people get online and play the game. They must work together and develop strategies to complete all sorts of tasks. I played Civilization as a kid and I personally think it promotes critical thinking. You must evaluate all the possible outcomes of every move you make before you can make your move. As a kid I had always just enjoyed playing it, not realizing it was actually teaching me to think before I act.  

"Surgery Warmup" Gag Cartoon in Stitches Magazine (2007, May 26). In Copetoons. Retrieved March 26, 2012 

Thinkaloud

View more presentations from x2sweetdeax3.

Lists of Presidents of the United States by place of birth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_Presidents_of_the_United_States_by_place_of_birth

This article or section has multiple issues.	no
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.	no
The neutrality of this article is disputed.	no
The factual accuracy of this article is disputed.	no
This needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone or spelling.	no
This may contain material not appropriate for an encyclopedia.	no
This article only describes one highly specialized aspect of its associated subject.	yes
This article requires authentication or verification by an expert.	no
This article or section needs to be updated.	no
This article may not provide balanced geographical coverage on a region.	no
This is missing citations or needs footnotes.	no
This article does not cite any references or sources.	no

Is it written in a clear and organized way?	yes
Is the tone neutral (not taking sides)?	yes
Are all important facts referenced (you're told where they come from)?	yes
Does the information provided seem complete or does it look like there are gaps (or just one side of the story)?	Complete

Website Evaluation #2

Save the Manatee.

http://www.savethemanatee.org/

Who? 

• Has someone taken responsibility for the content of this Web site?
• Yes. 
  
• Is information about the author or organization clearly stated?
• Yes, they have an "About SMC" tab on the left of the screen. 
• Are there any links to in-depth information about the author or organization?
• Yes.

What?

• Is the information biased in any way?
• Yes, I suppose. They are 100% for saving the manatees at all costs.
• Does the site rely on loaded language or broad, unsubstantiated statements?
• No. I believe that only use cold, hard facts to get their point across.
• Is emotion used as a means of persuasion?
• Yes, in a way. They want you to feel bad for the manatees so that you will want to help save them.
  " Unlike other animal adoption programs, the manatees in our adoption programs are real, living manatees with known histories. You even have the opportunity of seeing your adopted manatee at one of three locations in Florida."

When?

• Is it important that the information you're looking for be absolutely current?
• Yes. You need to be made aware of the manatees you can adopt, times and places you can volunteer, and locations that you would be helpful at.
• Is a reference date provided to show when the material was put online, or when it was last updated?
• The copyright is updated for 2012.
• Do the links work?
• Yes.

Why?

• Can I get the information faster offline?
• No, I don't believe you can.
• Does the online material I'm finding suit my needs?
• Yes. The site gives you other contact information, places where the manatees are located, and all sorts of important information.
• Am I able to verify this information?
• Yes. 

-This website is reliable and informative. I quickly found all of the things I was looking for and they provided loads of additional information. I do think the site is biased towards their cause, but I don't think it effects the site, too much. 

Website Evaluation #1

The Dog Island

http://www.thedogisland.com/

Who? 

• Has someone taken responsibility for the content of this Web site?
• No.
• Is information about the author or organization clearly stated?
• I can't even find any information about the author to be organized!
• Are there any links to in-depth information about the author or organization?
• No.

What?

• Is the information biased in any way?
• Yes. They claim that humans create a hard life for dogs.
  "Separated from the anxieties of urban life, dogs on Dog Island are healthy dogs who live a natural, healthy and happy life, free from the stress and hardship associated with daily live among humans."
• Does the site rely on loaded language or broad, unsubstantiated statements?
• Yes. They claim that the dogs will be totally safe and happy no matter what.
• Is emotion used as a means of persuasion?
• Yes. They make it seem as if you're not capable of making your dog happy and that the best think for it would be to send it to Dog island.

When?

• Is it important that the information you're looking for be absolutely current?
• Yes, as the site has rates and events. It's important to make sure those are up-to-date.
• Is a reference date provided to show when the material was put online, or when it was last updated?
• There is a copyright from 2003-2010 at the bottom.
• Do the links work?
• Yes.
  

Why?

• Can I get the information faster offline?
• No.
• Does the online material I'm finding suit my needs?
• Yes. The site gives you reasons, rates, and any other information you may need.
• Am I able to verify this information?
• Yes. There is a disclaimer at the bottom of the page.
  
  
  

-The website is informative, however, the content hasn't been updated recently. The information is biased and uses emotion to try to get you to use their services. However, the disclaimer clearly points out that the information is useless because The Dog Island doesn't exist.