Gaming

I had the privilege of listening to Suzanne de Castell today. She has done a lot of work with gaming and learning. Currently working on several projects including one with York U.

She encouraged us that we need to learn to make curriculum but not jam the text and content into new boxes. We need to not just buy someone else's work. Years ago teachers created curriculum. With the powerful tools now available, educators can be creators of games and interactivity with students.

An interesting comment was that gaming should not be for motivation. It is a misuse of students, learning, games and motivation. Gaming is an interactive tool that people can learn. New technologies such as a GPS utilize the gaming display technology.

It is amazing that in our session with several hundred teachers. When asked how many play games, it looked like less than half. Suzanne raised the question about a culture gap between students and teachers.

Where do you fit? †Do we understand the games that children play and the influence on their lives?

I believe gaming has a place in education; however, the filter for that belief is how gaming impacts their learning. I am dead against drill and kill types of games. Problem Solving, Interactive, Collaborative, Community Building, Critical Thinking - These are the marks of good games for education.