Discussion 8 - Game-Based Learning vs. Gamification

Gamers,

I'd like for us to continue the discussion we had from Week 13 - "Game-Based Learning." Based on the readings and discussions, we were able to differentiate the two concepts. Please provide some examples of the two concepts based on your experiences and identify which one do you think would work best for K-12. Post your responses below and I look forward to this week's discussion.

Discussion 7 - Microsoft Store

Gamers,

There were some great experiences that your children gained from the website - www.education.com/games. These next couple of weeks, I would like for all of you to browse your Microsoft store (everyone should have an account or access, if not, you live under a rock) and type in "educational" in the search box. When you get to the next page, select whichever platform (PC, Xbox, Mobile, etc. - there is even an option for HoloLens?) you would like to use and choose a game that you may find entertaining. Please share the name of the game and your experiences in your post.

P.S. If you have HoloLens, please share that experience as well.

Discussion 6 - Educational Games for Kids

 Hello Gamers,

There is a website (https://www.education.com/games/) that I would like for each of you to evaluate that covers games from preschool to 5th Grade. If you have children from any of those grade levels, please give them to opportunity to find a game that provides them both a fun and an educational experience. Please share your children's experiences with everyone. I look forward to reading your discussions!

Discussion 5 - Xbox vs PlayStation

 Gamers,

With the upcoming release dates of the XBOX one series X on November 10th and the PlayStation 5 on November 12th, I'd like for you all to compare the two major consoles and identify which of the two you think provides the most educational games for kids and adults. Share the one game from each console that you find most educational. I am looking forward to discussing what you all find.

Discussion 4 - Online Games that Teach Technical Skills

We have been discussing online games that could be beneficial in education. This week, I'd like to discuss online games that would improve skills. For example, piloting an airplane. Please review the link below and share your thoughts on how we can use online games to improve other skills.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/12/us/richard-russell-q400-flight-simulator.html

Discussion 3 - Animal Jam

Gamers,

There are tons of educational online games that are available on the internet, the problem is that they are not very popular. Most of them have graphics that are so outdated, its no wonder why children and adults do not find them appealing. I know I don't. So, are most of these games not very popular because of graphics or is it simply because people are not aware of them? 

Please take the opportunity to evaluate a game called "Animal Jam" (download in the app store for free) or click here: https://www.animaljam.com/en.

After evaluation, please answer these questions:

1. Would this game be more popular if it was on playstation, xbox, or nintendo? Why or Why not?

2. Would it be more popular if children knew about it?

3. If you have a child, do you think he/she would enjoy playing Animal Jam?

I look forward to all of your comments.

Discussion 2 - Minecraft

 Online gaming has become a multi-billion-dollar industry since the 1990s. Entertainment has always and will continue to be a very lucrative source of revenue for those who are creative enough to produce it. Today, most online games have been filled with blood and violence. Some even say that online gaming have been a source of inspiration for other nefarious activities, but I digress. Although online gaming was developed purely to be a source of entertainment, it is also a great platform for e-learning. Online gaming can deliver both an education and entertainment. For example, Minecraft: Education Edition has become a “transformative way to engage students and ignite their passion for learning” (education.minecraft.net).

In this initial discussion, please take the opportunity to visit the website: https://education.minecraft.net/ and provide your assessment of this platform that most teachers across the world are describing as “transformative.” Feel free to provide comments below.