Game-based learning has gained considerable traction since 2003, when James Gee began to describe the impact of game play on cognitive development. Since then, research — and interest in — the potential of gaming on learning has exploded, as has the diversity of games themselves, with the emergence of serious games as a genre, the […]
Continue reading Game-Based Learning Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll Augmented reality, a capability that has been around for decades, is shifting from what was once seen as a gimmick to a bonafide game-changer. The layering of information over 3D space produces a new experience of the world, sometimes referred to as “blended reality,” and is fueling the broader migration of computing from the desktop […]
Continue reading Augmented Reality Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
There was a great story in Bill Bryson’s book about the Appalachian Trail… a kid on a mountaintop with an electronic GPS who could tell you the height, the location in latitude and longitude, the temperature and air pressure…. but could not tell you where he really was or where he needed to go next. I hate to confuse data with actually knowing something, or a focus on data instead of a focus on the real world and its cues all around us.
Before mobile devices, during a family dinner, my Dad would often get and go to the encyclopedia to look up some information based on a conversation at the table. Now that we all have smartphones, all that information is literally at our fingertips, but we generally keep them away from the table. The great thing about augmented reality would be the ease with which we can pluck information out of thin air. Always there if we need it, but hopefully there’s an off switch so that conversation can resume at family dinner tables.
According to a recent report from mobile manufacturer Ericsson, studies show that by 2015, 80% of people accessing the Internet will be doing so from mobile devices. Perhaps more important for education, Internet capable mobile devices will outnumber computers within the next year. In Japan, over 75% of Internet users already use a mobile as […]
Continue reading Mobiles Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Given these days of budgetary restrain that plague many school boards, I believe that exploiting the proliferation of student-owned mobile devices could reduce the pressure of providing and servicing school-owned computer hardware and software.
I am way behind on mobiles but I took my iPad downtown the other day and when we needed to know what to do when plans didn’t work out, our connection to the Internet and location services saved the day. I think this is a great avenue for providing just-in-time information for problem solving. I would love to see a situation with far more real-world problem-solving and relying on connectivity to get the data required to do it.
I am hoping to pilot an Apps for Android use – based on ESL conversations. It might not happen though as the developer is trying to get funding….It was all based on an App that had the user having a conversation with Santa, by texting answers on their phone…
Four years ago, I used my cell phone for emergency purposes only. I used to get chastised for never having my cell on. Now, I text, email, chat, talk, prepare lesson plans, connect online for MET courses, order school supplies, shop, make reminder notes, and if I really wanted to, turn on the lights at home even though I’m not there. And I’m in agreement with Karen that there would be less of a burden on schools to provide up to date and serviceable hardware/software. (Don’t get me started on district IT, sigh.)
Mobile learning has the potential to provide anywhere, anytime learning and support for almost every topic – it can be a guide or text in your pocket that has huge opportunities for just-in-time learning.
Whether it be a tablet or a mobile / smart phone, technology that is multipurpose (or condensed, in a sense) may do more for students (dictionary, internet, apps, etc.) at less cost to a school – especially if students use their own or rent / pay for the use of school-issued ones, similar to instruments in a band program.
It’s more convenient to use a mobile phone than a computer or laptop. Easy to carry around and to have access. I agree with my coursemates that mobile technology will do more for students.
Over last three years I have noticed more students at my institutions using phones that have internet access. The students sometimes used their phones to access the internet or carry out computations. Hence, I think mobile will be a useful medium for online learning. Students complete assignments while waiting at bus stop or in lines or during travelling. It is very convenient.
Now that they are firmly established in the consumer sector, electronic books are beginning to demonstrate capabilities that challenge the very definition of reading. Audiovisual, interactive, and social elements enhance the informational content of books and magazines. Social tools extend the reader’s experience into the larger world, connecting readers with one another and enabling deeper, collaborative explorations of […]
Continue reading Ebooks Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
For students who have difficulty reading, whether they are dyslexic, have a learning disability or have sight problems, e-books are extremely beneficial. When opened in an e-reader, or in reading software such as Kurzweil (www.kurzweiledu.com) or Word Q (www.goqsoftware.com) the e-book can be manipulated so that the font is larger or smaller, or that the background can be lighter or darker.
I prefer e-books. I have saved so much time and money and backache being nearly totally digital. I sued to have a fine library but I packed up all my books and donated them to charity. I try to avoid paper and books at all costs. In my latest class here our textbook was available as a Kindle edition for $9.00!
I have just discovered the wonder of e-books. I love the recipe books that automatically link you to youtube so you can watch the product being made. I also discovered children e-books – where the book will not only read to you, but you can make the three little pigs dance, touch an item on the page and have the the book say the word out loud and spell it, etc. Quite amazing technology in assisting children to read in a fun and interactive environment.
Image the cost of sending a boat load of books to teachers in the 3rd world, then consider the cost of sending a boat load of books contained within a couple light weight eReaders to the 3rd world.
While I still prefer a good old fashioned hard-cover, the interactive component of e-books engages children and can focus on many areas of learning at once (reading and spelling as suggested by Deb above). They also make the material more accessible to readers who may have trouble seeing smaller print. My concern with technology is that cost is often a barrier and likely one of the reasons I still prefer a good old second hand book.
I can’t really argue with the money- and space-saving aspects of ebooks, but there is something retrograde with the design of ebooks, with the flipping of pages and bookmark features. The electronic devices can do so much more than print books can, it is a wonder why designers have to linger on these print conventions when they could develop something more useful. It would be like viewing the movie Avatar through a Fisher Price View-Master instead of reinventing the literary medium.
am very happy we have e-books since they are free and far more cheaper that hard copies. These also in some cases have features that makes learning more interesting and engaging. For example, they accommodate many learning needs and styles of learners since many have features to read, making them more interactive.
I have used free ebooks in my physics and mathematics which I would very useful in providing suitable information to my students. I enjoy using ebook because there is software that can allow one to set quizzes directly the books. Ebooks are teacher and student friendly. They minimise the burden of carrying of heavy books around in class and easy access to information.
Easily one of the most significant things to hit the book industry. Now one can walk around with entire libraries without feeling the weight. With ebooks, the possibilities are endless and students are privy with choices on the go. This is a real revolution in the education sector.
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jenaca 12:00 am on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I believe this is a wonderful way for students to absorb new information and have fun with it. Incorporating games into a learning environment is a positive method to help students learn and enjoy learning without even realizing it!
jarvise 5:46 am on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
When we look at foundational, big picture skills that span across curriculum and beyond the reaches of educational settings into real-world ones, the ideas of teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving in complex situations come up. What better way to target these than game-based learning? There are a lot of possibilities here…
David William Price 7:46 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I worked for a company that did serious games and I contributed the writing design and content for a game still sold by the Canadian Standards Association for workplace health and safety. That being said… I really think it’s all about the design. The problem is that if people are unwilling to put in the time required to design in-person lessons, they seem even less likely to put in the time to develop worthwhile games. The cost of development per hour of game is enormous. My concern is people jump on the excitement of a medium and ignore the requirements of design. It’s the Clark vs Kozma debate and I am firmly on the Clark side.
schiong 11:36 am on October 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi,
I agree that design is very important. A mentor once told me that when developing an application … 2/3 is spent on design and 1/3 on programming. I think he just wants to emphasize the importance of design.
Juliana 9:20 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think game based learning can be a good way for student’s to learn if it is done well. I think there is the possibility of teaching complex concepts such as scientific inquiry, but it does take time and it does need to be executed well in the classroom. Often times the classroom teacher needs to be given training on how to support the implementation of game based learning in the classroom.
Angela Novoa 1:22 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Game-based learning can promote creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. It also promotes autonomous learning. In London the Sorrell Foundation and My City Too have intended to launch programs that include game-based learning. Here in Chile there are some organizations, such as Innovacien (http://www.innovacien.org/), that are promoting this kind of learning in a number of schools.
wongte 6:32 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Game Based learning is a way to learn and have fun – a combo that I find very effective. I also like the opportunity it has for role play situations for an ESL class. I’ve heard and would love to explore the potential of the Sims or 2nd life for use in online learning with language students.
Jay 8:26 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think the idea of using a game such as the Sims for online language learning is a great idea, but I think it is important to couple such learning with in-class role-plays that allow for a face-to-face component.
murray12 6:51 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I usually try to find a game to play on the SmartBoard that deals with the day’s learning goals. It’s amazing how much more involved students get when there’s a game to be played.
kstooshnov 1:04 pm on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
There’s got to be a game more productive than 7 Up or Silent Ball which uses classroom technology and gets all the students participating, but I can’t think what that game might be.
Jay 8:31 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Developing an effective game that doesn’t involve technology can be time consuming so I can only imagine the time and costs that go into the design of a those that do. If used properly they may be a great way to learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills but I think to much focus on game-based learning would remove an important human interaction component of collective learning and focus to much on individual learning.
David William Price 9:50 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Perhaps another way to think about it is case-based learning and problem-based learning rather than game-based learning. Whether the case or problem are presented as a game perhaps doesn’t matter. The key part is gathering information, conducting an analysis, reviewing options, and making choices.
themusicwoman 9:40 am on September 10, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think the potential for game based learning is amazing. We all know that when something isn’t “fun”, we don’t tend to enjoy it as much. As well, the learners that are emerging are comfortable with games. Let’s use the skills that many of the learners already have to our advantage.
mcquaid 9:01 am on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think one of the beauties of game-based learning is that it can be sneaky, passive, or unintentional – while a student is having fun being wrapped up in a game, they end up taking information in (or creating it, for that matter – even collaboratively) and learning about things that were perhaps not seemingly part of the point of playing the game at all.
Julie S 11:49 am on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I became really interested in the serious games area after playing the PeaceMaker game. I would really like to explore if there’s a way to apply this type of concept to business analysis as it could keep a curious person engaged if it’s done well. I think it could also encourage the analyst to look at the interviewing process in a new light. I noticed that there is a business game posted in the Horizons report that I’ll have to check out. I think serious games have huge potential for adult learning opportunities.
khenry 5:02 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
While this was not one of my top 8 choices it is an area I am very interested in. I believe that there is great value in game-based learning in its motivational and interactive attributes. However, more research and time needs to be extended in focusing on design from an educational perspective. The problem is whether or not such time and effort can be reflected in the profitability of such a venture as educational tools etc. traditionally have not been able to resolve high costs of design as have commercial products, which have been more desired thus increasing demand and broader levels of sales.
Deb Kim 7:38 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
For “unpopular” subjects like Math, game-based learning is a great idea and a good opportunity for students to enjoy them.
hall 8:23 pm on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think game-based learning could be very useful in getting my students to understand concepts in physics and mathematics. I realize that the average students including adult learners like game and will easily gasp concepts when they are engaged in interesting activities. In my view, games can create the platform for learners to participate in class activities.
schiong 1:44 pm on October 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I believe that Game-Based Learning has a place in education. But, I am concern about the possible consequences.
a) If a child interacts with a computer most of the time, would it affect his social skills?
b) if a child spends too much time on a game, would his attitude towards classroom setting change?
Would it affect his eyesight (similar to watching tv at close range)?
There are many Game-based learning.
If a child wants to play Game-based learning everyday, would that be okay?
is there a need to set a time limit?
… going to an extreme case..
child: “Dad, why do I have to go to school? I can learn math, science, english , etc … through Game-based learning”