Hello everyone!
My name is Wynn Zhang. I was born in Shanghai but moved to Vancouver when I was a young. It’s my fourth semester in the MET program, and I am loving it so far! I’m currently taking ETEC 522 as well as ETEC 544 as my 6th and 7th course in the program. It’s been a great year for me (so far) as I have gotten my first full time teaching contract with my own classroom. I’m working in the Mandarin Immersion program at a Middle School, however, I’m teaching L.A, Science, Social Studies, PHE, and Careers. Before my work as a teacher, I was an Education Assistant, and ELL teacher in Shanghai, and had a shot as a professional gamer. When I’m not enjoying video games, I love to also play badminton, tennis, snowboarding and archery!
Since I grew up under the STRONG influence of a gaming culture, I recognize the importance of the level of engagement that games, both digital and analogue, provides. Although I can barely remember some of the classes that I attended in High School or University, I still remember some of the tutorials or mechanics of video games that had a big impact on me. I have an extensive collection of various board games that I adapt for my students to learn various topics as well as an even bigger one for my own play. I see these games as systems that I can tweak to create a powerful learning experience that increases engagement as well as provide learning that’s beyond content. This made me realize that ventures in technology would be extremely useful for me as someone who loves to create new ideas and test boundaries of technology. My objective is to further my knowledge on the necessary components in creating my own venture in technology and improve on my current skillset/mindset to make that happen!
Here’s to a wonderful 2022 with lots of meaningful learning!
Nice to meet you Wynn! I took 565S last semester and it was really interesting. I wonder – have you taken that course yet? It’s all about digital games in the context of learning. Highly recommend it. Happy new year!
Hi Aidin! I’m taking ETEC 544 right now. It seems like a very interesting course! Happy new year!
Hello Wynn! It’s great to read about you. I lived in Shanghai briefly when I was overseas! Have a great semester!
Hi Cindy! Awesome! Shanghai is one of my favorite places to travel to (but NOT to live).
Hi Wynn
Nice to meet you! I’ve visited Shanghai before and really enjoyed finding delicious foods to eat there. That’s an impressive board game collection and I definitely share your views on how Gamification can improve learning
Hi John! That’s actually probably just 1/10th of my collection! It’s mostly the games that I use to teach certain topics so they’re more of the relevant ones!
Good to see you again Wynn. Hopefully our interest in games can tie back together for the future group project depending how we get arranged !
Hey Jackson! Great to see you again!
Hi Wynn,
Nice to meet you! I see you have a really nice collection of board games! Does your interest in gaming stem from playing board games when you were younger?
Hi Mary! I actually only started playing boardgames a few years ago when my GF introduced invited me to hang out with her friends! I think I mostly played computer games such as League of Legends, Dota, or Starcraft!