Gaming Benefits

Gaming Benefit Categories:
 
21^st Century Skills

Encompasses many 21^st Century Skills

            DM is the future of education
            Rich people/poor people education

Book learning vs instruction via technology (we need to fix this)

Creativity
            Opportunity for creativity through digital media communication (my favorite thing!)
            Students can create their own learning and learn in the process
Collaboration
            Invites collaboration among peers
            Students can collaborate with people from all over the world; any age and expertise!
                 Immersion for learning
Engagement
            Complex problems are presented in smaller chunks and are easier to solve

Kids strive to improve to win the game and are motivated to study in order to do so

            Place-based learning – learn at a remote location (immersion)
                        Toledo arch design contests for CAD students - ex: Cullen Park Marina Project
Improved problem solving skills
            Causes brain evolution
            Causes dopamine (pleasure) release
            Kids can take ownership of their own learning
            Kids can be wrong without stigma in games
Learning feedback
            Instant feedback provided to teachers and students
Keeps students engaged

Keeps students from "filtering out" information

Good for mobile learning

            Fast paced games improve problem-solving ability/builds faster cognitive reflexes
            Positive energy/reinforcement

It is true that the US currently needs tech trained (savvy) people. Software designers, engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers all use digital tools for work now. We all are expected to know how to use a computer and admin software, unless our job is manual. People who are in the office and do not use computers have become obsolete. I can imagine that computers in and of themselves are anxiety triggers for those who do not use them. To me, that is a problem also.
 
As a technology instructor, I know what the “aha” moment is all about. When I kick off a semester, my students are usually way out of their comfort zone, no matter what their computer expertise is. They have no idea how to use the program I am about to teach them, and they are anxious. To neutralize this situation, I have my students begin drawing in their first class. Rather than have my students read the first few chapters in the textbook, we draw together using a CAD template. Once the students complete that task, they are much more comfortable with the program, with the class, and they trust me more as an instructor. This is key. In my class, if they are not comfortable right away, they will drop out right away. The next week we draw together, but I teach them more about theory and the interface. At that point, they are accepting of more information, and find the program to be rather cool to use. It is cool. That’s why I use it.
 
I think gaming is ok when supervised! I have not played a RPG since 1992, but I like playing Settlers. At level 14, I found that I was lost when trying to get information. I have not had that epic win yet. I am now in a guild, and that is a good thing. The members are very courteous, and help each other out a lot! It does promote a feeling of belonging (community). If you work during times when no one is on, trading is much easier too. I also find that if you complete a task before the quest pops up, you do not get credit for it. I consider that to be a glitch. Forward thinking should be rewarded! I do agree with most of the benefits that were described in the readings. Success and winning is everything! Now I see why my son gets so involved in the games. But, he still needs to do his chores and study for tests!
 
I found that I needed to come up with a system to be productive. I needed to organize myself at each level, and follow a routine to keep up. Also, we have to barter (trade) unless we have the money to burn. I sure don’t. I think bartering is negotiating and is a very valuable life skill for kids. In Settlers, you have to know math to make things work, that’s for sure. You have to be able to type if you want to communicate. If you organize yourself well enough, you can trigger unexpected rewards. I think that a math game (problem solving) built as an MMOG would be fun. My sons liked the blaster games years ago. I like the fact that we can collaborate, although I have not really done that yet. I think that process should happen early on in the game. I understand we can build a guild hall in future levels and create a guild. We might need to in order to beat Dr. Lambert efficiently.  MooHaHa!   ;  )
 
I am sure there is a lot more that can happen if we know the game well enough. Perhaps it pays us real cash. I have heard of MMOGs where a person can sell their role for cash. I can also see how maybe that would not be a good thing if a person has a credit card and is bad with managing their money.
 
This is from a gaming website that is very interesting:
What's Phylo all about?
Though it may appear to be just a game, Phylo is actually a framework for harnessing the computing power of mankind to solve a common problem; Multiple Sequence Alignments. (DNA/RNA) http://phylo.cs.mcgill.ca/eng/about.html Finding the patterns in these alignments is a daunting task too, so the researchers created this game to provide the contact time needed to find these patterns. Genius! And it's working. The researchers are actually finding cures to diseases through this game. So, if you get a minute, or 600…