med243 game based learning observations #ETC647L6D

The game-based learning concept was enlightening to me.  I guess I never thought of how many “games” there really are in today’s world.  I never considered a buy so many products to get one free as a game, but that is exactly what it is.  What stuck out to me the most was incorporating the concepts of “wanting & liking” into each lesson.  As I said in my tweet, senioritis has set in at my school and trying to motivate the kids to finish the semester strong has gotten more difficult.  The wanting and liking areas are where I see the gaming theories apply to my classroom and what I could do.  I brought this idea up with one of my classes and remarked about the idea of not having grades any more, but levels – requiring each student to “level up” instead of getting grades.  While the conversation was humorous at times in trying to come up with the names we could have for levels in an American Government course, some students commented that this was just a gimmick where the novelty of the level would wear off after a while and the levels would just be seen as grades.  I thought that was an interesting insight and made me wonder more about how the game-based learning concepts could be applied and be effective.  Perhaps (as with most everything in teaching) a little bit of each of the many ideas Priebatsch brought up could be used at various times to keep things different.

Lesson Six Reflection

Team 2 has decided that we will reflect on each lesson in the "comment" section of this post.  Each member will add content throughout the lesson as we grow and learn in each lesson.  We felt that this would foster communication and collaboration in each lesson.

cl398's Take on #ETC647L6D

I had two thoughts about games this lesson. My first thought was that I am a little stunned at how easily manipulated we can be when a game is involved. What an interesting twist to advertising to get consumers to buy a product. And my second thought, what a waste of time! Six hours a day playing World of Warcraft or whatever the game? I admit, I indulge in the occasional video game and sometimes getting addicted for a period of time, but usually come out of that dark hole and join the real world. I do agree that games can enhance learning and increase motivation, but what will students do when the enter the workforce and its not as blatantly game-like as they are used to? When they don't have the social skills to work with people face to face because they have only ever interacted through electronic/digital means? I guess there is fine line we have to walk when involving video games in our instruction and our everyday lives.

Lesson Five Reflection

Team 2 has decided that we will reflect on each lesson in the "comment" section of this post.  Each member will add content throughout the lesson as we grow and learn in each lesson.  We felt that this would foster communication and collaboration in each lesson.

Lesson Four Reflection

Team 2 has decided that we will reflect on each lesson in the "comment" section of this post.  Each member will add content throughout the lesson as we grow and learn in each lesson.  We felt that this would foster communication and collaboration in each lesson.

Lesson Three Reflection

Team 2 has decided that we will reflect on each lesson in the "comment" section of this post.  Each member will add content throughout the lesson as we grow and learn in each lesson.  We felt that this would foster communication and collaboration in each lesson.

Lesson Two Reflection

Team 2 has decided that we will reflect on each lesson in the "comment" section of this post.  Each member will add content throughout the lesson as we grow and learn in each lesson.  We felt that this would foster communication and collaboration in each lesson.