a. Where you are from and what do you do.
I am from Clarksburg, WV and I work software development contracts.
b. What do you want to get out of the class.
I would like to learn more about creating games to teach adults.
c. Are you a Gamer? What Games do you play? Why do you like playing games?
I am a gamer and I play computer strategy games and MMO's with online friends. I like playing games because they are more entertaining than television in my opinion.
d. What is your position on kids and video games? (ie time wasters, socially isolating, moral corrupting, new ways of learning, conflicted)
Games can play an important role in teaching children on a variety of subjects, yet developers mostly make violent games that have little bearing on how the world really works.
e. Link to a video, podcast, online article or blog posting that is related to the effects of video games on children's learning, sociability or character development and explain why you have selected to resource.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110510101504.htm
I picked this site because it was the first to not be negative towards gaming when I did a search on the subject and I enjoyed reading it.
f. List three major world events that happen during the year you were born.
The Bi-centenial of the United States.
The Election of Jimmy Carter.
1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada.
I agree that games can be a great tool for student learning. During my student teaching, I saw how motivating educational games were for my students. Their favorite day of the week was the day we had laptops and computer lab all day. They thought they were just playing, but they learned a lot of new skills.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't born yet, so I dont't remember those events.
I agree with your statement that games can be a great learning tool. I question why people find violent games so entertaining.
ReplyDeleteIn 1976, I was a year old...so, I don't remember much :)
Question - what's an MMO (can you tell I'm not a gamer)? I love that you think games are more interesting than TV.... I would probably agree with you if I found some games that weren't so violence-oriented. I love all sorts of games, and could really see myself enjoying 1st person point of view games if I found some that weren't so violent - got any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI too, think games could have enormous potential for learning, and could really appeal to some kids that have a harder time engaging in a traditional classroom.
I wasn't born in 1976, but remember seeing my older brother's school photos taken at the time and they had the bi-centennial seal in the background - which I thought was strange!
I was in the sixth grade and I remember the bi-centennial well! I like your point about most video games not engaging kids in material that teaches them how the world really works!
ReplyDeleteThat why when need educational games that engage kids in real world simulations but with the engagement that commercial video games create!
It is neat to finally find a gamer in this Game Design class:)! I was born in the late 80s so I obviously don't remember any of these events.
ReplyDeleteGood article.
ReplyDelete1976, well, I was 11 years old, and collecting anything remotely "Bi-centennial." Still have some coins and glasses. Remember Jimmy and the Olympics. I believe it was also about the time that John Wayne died.
There are a lot of video games that are "realistic", especially newer games, like Battlefield or FarCry 3. (I only know these games, because my husband and brother-in-law play them all the time). Even Halo has realistic aspects.
ReplyDeleteI liked Jimmy Carter, and I wander if people freaked out over the bi-centenial like they did for the Y2K?
Hello Andy!
ReplyDeleteI understand computer strategies but I don’t know what MMO’s are. I agree that games can be an important teaching technique for children. However supervision is very important. I guess video games go back to the saying “Sex and Violence Sells.”
I was not born or even thought of when your life events happened. However I have heard of them all. Being ½ Canadian I like that you mentioned the Summer Olympics in Montreal.
Thanks for sharing!
Andy, good point about how many games are "violent and have little bearing on how the world works." Violent games and movies bring in the $$$, but hopefully the trend will move toward more character and skill building, as well as education. I wasn't born yet in 76, but I didn't know Carter was president that year. I thought he was in the 80's for some reason. Whoops...
ReplyDelete