Summer reading is in full swing. I've just started How Computer Games Help Children Learn by David Williamson Shaffer. As with all the books I read, I also read the accompanying blog. A couple weeks ago they posted a video about epistemic games. I thought I'd publish it here.
Friday, June 20, 2008
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4 comments:
Thanks for the post, James.
In my institution, the (somewhat conservative) educators bristle at the term "computer games", most likely because they see such games as a threat (because of distraction in lectures).
I prefer the term "simulation" to distinguish the more frivolous activities that pass for educational games (like crossword puzzles and the like) and the kind of thing shown in the movie which involves students learning by taking on roles and making decisions.
You may also be interested in Schank's Designing World-Class e-Learning, which is aimed at training in the workplace and argues the same thing.
Zac,
"Computer games" could also be used to describe many of the so-called educational games on the market which amount to no more than just drill-and-practice.
I'm about a third of the way through the book now and simulation is a term that has been used to define the types of computer games you're talking about. However, the author also does a great job of actually defining what a game is, thus separating the games in the book from ones like crossword puzzles and the like.
Hi again, James.
I just finished reading the book and posted about it here: Review: How Computer Games Help Children Learn.
Thanks again for the recommendation.
I read you thoughts on game-based learning and want to share my puzzle website with you, http://www.webkendoku.com. It is a place where you can play online KenKen games.
Also, other math teachers have found it useful with their students.
Thank you for your time and I hope this was not too much of an intrusion.
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