What if schools, from the wealthiest suburban nursery school to the grittiest urban high school, thrummed with the sounds of deep immersion? More and more people believe that can happen - with the aid of video games. Greg Toppo's The Game Believes in You presents the story of a small group of visionaries who, for the past 40 years, have been pushing to get game controllers into the hands of learners. Among the game revolutionaries you'll meet in this book: *A game designer at the University of Southern California leading a team to design a video-game version of Thoreau's Walden Pond. *A young neuroscientist and game designer whose research on "Math Without Words" is revolutionizing how the subject is taught, especially to students with limited English abilities. *A Virginia Tech music instructor who is leading a group of high school-aged boys through the creation of an original opera staged totally in the online game Minecraft. Experts argue that games do truly "believe in you." They focus, inspire and reassure people in ways that many teachers can't. Games give people a chance to learn at their own pace, take risks, cultivate deeper understanding, fail and want to try again—right away—and ultimately, succeed in ways that too often elude them in school. This book is sure to excite and inspire educators and parents, as well as provoke some passionate debate.
How making and sharing video games offer educational benefits for coding, collaboration, and creativity. Over the last decade, video games designed to teach academic content have multiplied. Students can learn about Newtonian physics from a game or prep for entry into the army. An emphasis on the instructionist approach to gaming, however, has overshadowed the constructionist approach, in which students learn by designing their own games themselves. In this book, Yasmin Kafai and Quinn Burke discuss the educational benefits of constructionist gaming—coding, collaboration, and creativity—and the move from “computational thinking” toward “computational participation.” Kafai and Burke point to recent developments that support a shift to game making from game playing, including the game industry's acceptance, and even promotion, of “modding” and the growth of a DIY culture. Kafai and Burke show that student-designed games teach not only such technical skills as programming but also academic subjects. Making games also teaches collaboration, as students frequently work in teams to produce content and then share their games with in class or with others online. Yet Kafai and Burke don't advocate abandoning instructionist for constructionist approaches. Rather, they argue for a more comprehensive, inclusive idea of connected gaming in which both making and gaming play a part.
Cognitive Development in a Digital Age James Paul Gee begins his classic book with "I want to talk about video games–yes, even violent video games–and say some positive things about them." With this simple but explosive statement, one of America's most well-respected educators looks seriously at the good that can come from playing video games. This revised edition expands beyond mere gaming, introducing readers to fresh perspectives based on games like World of Warcraft and Half-Life 2. It delves deeper into cognitive development, discussing how video games can shape our understanding of the world. An undisputed must-read for those interested in the intersection of education, technology, and pop culture, What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy challenges traditional norms, examines the educational potential of video games, and opens up a discussion on the far-reaching impacts of this ubiquitous aspect of modern life.
The untold story of the root cause of America's education crisis--and the seemingly endless cycle of multigenerational poverty. It was only after years within the education reform movement that Natalie Wexler stumbled across a hidden explanation for our country's frustrating lack of progress when it comes to providing every child with a quality education. The problem wasn't one of the usual scapegoats: lazy teachers, shoddy facilities, lack of accountability. It was something no one was talking about: the elementary school curriculum's intense focus on decontextualized reading comprehension "skills" at the expense of actual knowledge. In the tradition of Dale Russakoff's The Prize and Dana Goldstein's The Teacher Wars, Wexler brings together history, research, and compelling characters to pull back the curtain on this fundamental flaw in our education system--one that fellow reformers, journalists, and policymakers have long overlooked, and of which the general public, including many parents, remains unaware. But The Knowledge Gap isn't just a story of what schools have gotten so wrong--it also follows innovative educators who are in the process of shedding their deeply ingrained habits, and describes the rewards that have come along: students who are not only excited to learn but are also acquiring the knowledge and vocabulary that will enable them to succeed. If we truly want to fix our education system and unlock the potential of our neediest children, we have no choice but to pay attention.
A clear and effective approach to teaching using digital game.EdTech is an area rife with promises of improved teaching and learning proclaimed by globe-trotting gurus, keynote speakers and product evangelists. Some of them are just hype, but digital game-based learning and teaching (DGBL&T) definitely not. These are here to stay.Why?Because there are more than 2.5 billion video game players all ages worldwide.The average young person accumulates 10,000 hours of gaming before turning 21.75% of gamers believe playing video games provides mental stimulation or education. Parents see digital games as providing a variety of educational benefits and consider them a positive part of their children's lives.Around 61% of senior executives surveyed take daily game breaks at work.Consequently, the interest is growing in the potential of video games for formal and informal education. Furthermore, the recent explosion of online teaching has created a demand for teachers capable of teaching using video games. Yet, comprehensive pedagogical resources are scare.As a result, teachers and educators like you are nervous about introducing video games into their classrooms. They aren't sure where to start, what to take into consideration, where to seek advice.Where to find suitable games?How to assess their effectiveness?What about the cost of acquiring games?How to deal with behavioural issues during gaming sessions in class?How to plan a lesson with a video game?What accompanying activities to offer?What about gaming software and hardware requirements?Are video games suitable for online teaching?...These are some of the questions that cross the teachers' mind.Digital game-based learning and teaching remains a mysterious process, and those who manage to master it are looked upon as Cracks.And how would you feel if you were a digital game-based learning and teaching Crack?The best advice for technology implementation comes from simply trying things out and from speaking with colleagues who were working with similar technology in similar situations and circumstances. This book is such a colleague of yours. It is an informal conversation between a DGBL&T n00b (newbie) and someone with extensive experience using video games for teaching purposes.Video games as a teaching tool. EPIC Guide demystifies the digital game-based learning and teaching process and contains inspiration and guidance on how to effectively bring video games to your classroom!Right from the first pages EPIC Guide gives you advice, instructional strategies, best practices and pro techniques to start teaching with video games.The EPIC guide is based on the letters of the EPIC model and covers most of the aspects of learning and teaching with video games.E evaluates your current resources for using video games in the classroom and opens the curtain of where to find the perfect game.P helps to prepare a lesson plan with video games.I presents a number of actionable ideas for integrating video games in your classroom.C covers the assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of learning with digital games and invites to become an influencer in this field.Each part has tens of the power questions that you can think about, to stimulate creativity and ideas generation, to test your understanding of the material covered or to go beyond it.This book not only provides tons of practical advice for integrating video games in your classroom but also show you how to choose and use digital games, so they resonate with you and your students.What is more, the book contains video game jokes and memes to develop a taste of gaming humour.Epic Guide is for anyone in a formal and informal education setting who is interested in teaching using video games. Of course, it can be useful for parents who are looking to play video games meaningfully their children.
"This book presents research on the most recent technological developments in all fields of knowledge or disciplines of computer games development, including planning, design, development, marketing, business management, users and behavior"--Provided by publisher.
Technology has increasingly become utilized in classroom settings in order to allow students to enhance their experiences and understanding. Among such technologies that are being implemented into course work are game-based learning programs. Introducing game-based learning into the classroom can help to improve students’ communication and teamwork skills and build more meaningful connections to the subject matter. While this growing field has numerous benefits for education at all levels, it is important to understand and acknowledge the current best practices of gamification and game-based learning and better learn how they are correctly implemented in all areas of education. The Research Anthology on Developments in Gamification and Game-Based Learning is a comprehensive reference source that considers all aspects of gamification and game-based learning in an educational context including the benefits, difficulties, opportunities, and future directions. Covering a wide range of topics including game concepts, mobile learning, educational games, and learning processes, it is an ideal resource for academicians, researchers, curricula developers, instructional designers, technologists, IT specialists, education professionals, administrators, software designers, students, and stakeholders in all levels of education.
Authors Ray Breed and Michael Spittle, long recognized as experts in the game sense model and teaching games for understanding approach, have created a complete resource for physical educators and coaches of games and team sports. Their new book, Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical application that teachers and coaches need to confidently teach their students and athletes the skills and game sense they need to successfully compete in games and sports. This text, inspired by the authors’ previous book, Developing Game Sense Through Tactical Learning, offers new material since the publication of that 2011 book, particularly in relation to curriculum, assessment, and physical literacy. “Our version of a game sense model has been modified over time and adjusted to meet the changing needs and requirements of learners and programs,” Breed says. “This book is an updated and improved variation of our original book, and it will assist teachers and coaches in integrating game sense into their sessions and curricula.” Through Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, teachers and coaches will be able to do the following: Provide a logical sequence and step-by-step instructions for maximal learning, skill transfer, and game skill development Accelerate learning by linking technical, tactical, and strategic similarities in three thematic game categories (There are 19 invasion games, 13 striking and fielding games, and 14 net and wall games.) Save preparation and planning time by using the extensive planning and game implementation resources Set up games with ease and effectively relate game sense concepts by following the 90 illustrations and diagrams created for those purposes The text includes curriculum ideas and specific units for children ages 8 to 16. Unit plan chapters provide six sessions for each of the two skill levels (easy to moderate and moderate to difficult). The book also offers assessment tools and guidance for measuring learning as well as links to different curriculum frameworks. The appendixes supply teachers and coaches with useful tools, including score sheets, performance assessment and self-assessment tools, session plan outlines, and more. Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport takes into account regional differences in the game sense model and teaching games for understanding approach. Its organization will facilitate users’ ready application of the material. The text first provides an overview and theoretical framework of the concepts of skill, skill development, game sense, and assessment. It then goes on to explore the links between fundamental motor skills, game sense, and physical literacy. Later chapters offer thematic unit and lesson plans as well as assessment ideas. Practical resources, game ideas and descriptions, and assessment ideas are supplied, along with the practical application of game sense, teaching for skill transfer, structuring games, developing questioning techniques, and organizing sessions. Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport will allow coaches and teachers to develop the tactical, technical, and strategic skills their athletes and students need in game contexts. Coaches and teachers will also be able to help learners develop personal, social, and relationship skills. As a result, learners will be able to more effectively participate in, and enjoy, team games.
Advances in technology and media have fundamentally changed the way people perceive research, how research studies are conducted, and the ways data are analyzed/how the findings are presented. Emerging internet-enabled technological tools have enhanced and transformed research in education and the way educators must adapt to conduct future studies. Advancing Educational Research With Emerging Technology provides innovative insights into cutting-edge and long-standing digital tools in educational research and addresses theoretical, methodological, and ethical dimensions in doing research in the digital world. The content within this publication examines such topics as computational linguistics, individualized learning, and mobile technologies. The design of this publication is suited for students, professors, higher education faculty, deans, academicians, researchers, and practitioners looking to expand their research through the use of a broad range of digital tools and resources.
Educators around the world acknowledge the fact that we live in the knowledge society and ability to think systematically is one of the necessary skills in order to function effectively in the 21st century. In the past two decades, popular culture introduced digital games as part of leisure activities for children and adults. Today playing computer games is routine activity for children of all ages. Many have agreed that interactive computer games enhance concentration, promote thinking, increase motivation and encourage socialisation. Educators found their way in introducing game-based learning in science education to entice the students in teaching difficult concepts. Simulation games provide authentic learning experience and virtual world excites the students to learn new phenomena and enliven their inquisitive mind. This book presents recent studies in game-based learning and reports continuing attempts to use games as new tool in the classrooms.
