I have played quite a lot of video game in my childhood. One which is memorable, it is a tile-matching puzzle game called “Tetris”. I got my first handheld Tetris game in 1990.
I don’t remember being a fan of puzzle by then. However, when I started playing this game. I loved the rewards in the form of bonus points and the destruction’s special effects when a set of tiles were well organized. Every time I was playing this game, I always felt that I was becoming a better player. Once I reached a level in the game, the next time I will reach the same level or end on a level above. What fascinated me most in this game was my ability to see how I was becoming skilful. I played the tetris game till I reached the point where nine times out of ten, I will complete all the levels of the game. This is when I stopped playing. I was just doing it occasionally mostly when I wanted to show off.
By reflecting on this experience, I wish I could create a Calculus game that will have the same effect on my students.
Hey Vivian! I enjoyed your recollections 🙂
What about the Tetris experience would you like you offer to your Calculus students? The sense progression and accomplishment felt when working hard and finally succeeding?
Maybe with a little luck something like that is already out there…
I know ALEKS from McGraw-Hill is a really great system that seems to work well for pre-Calc. I do wonder if there’s a solution for Calculus, being a calculus instructor myself! 😀
Hi Scott,
Thank you for suggesting ALEKS. I never heard of it before, I had a look at the website and I loved it. It is kind of exactly what I need.
The sense of progression and accomplishment is definitely an attribute I will like to offer to my calculus students. A platform with activities that create and maintain curiosity and interests is a good start.
I’m glad you liked it! I’m working in implementing it at my college now. I expect it will make a big difference in student success compared to the static workbooks we’re currently using.
Why does not the gaming world make more educational games that students would enjoy and learn at the same time?
What would have to go into an educational game? What are the principles or theories of educational gamification?
Christopher