Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesOne of the great things about games is their potential for delivering just-in-time instruction. Most games require some sort of user assistance, whether it be instructions, in-game tutorials, or a help system. Many games integrate help and tutorial information into the gameplay … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesFar too many educational games out there are nothing more than template games skinned with educational content. I wonder why people make these kinds of games. Is it because they are easy to design, or do they really not understand what … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: < 1 minuteJim Gee says, “When we think of games, we think of fun. When we think of learning we think of work”. (P. 43, 2007, Good Video Games + Good Learning) Is that really true? Somewhere along the line kids begin … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: < 1 minuteMany people in Education seem to believe that fun and education are at odds with each other. Some years ago I did a survey with public school teachers to see if they were using games in school, and if not, … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesYes. And: No. It depends on how we define things. First, I think it’s important to distinguish between digital games and non-digital or ‘analog’ games in these discussions. Few can agree on a precise definition for ‘game’ and there has … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesIn my upcoming book I talk about the importance of teacher support for educational games. It is the 3rd pillar in my 4PEG model. In order to gain acceptance in a traditional classroom, GBL ‘objects’ need to be “canned”, meaning they need to … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: < 1 minuteA number of chapters in my upcoming book talk about how to review games, and I go into my 4PEG model in detail. I review 7 games in the book. Here’s another. This review is of an educational game, and … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 6 minutesThis all good advice. I asked my students this one year when I was still teaching at the UofCalgary. Their comments are below. Advice for New Students From Those Who Know (Old Students) – The New York Times. Extend Yourself. … Continue reading