Game Based Learning

Jane McGonigal spoke about games and education at EDUCAUSE 2013 in Anaheim, Calif., and gave a famous Ted Talk three years ago. Ted Talk 2010 video ANAHEIM, Calif. - Video games may sound more recreational than educational, but experts believe that games will play a greater role in student engagement in years to come.

Notes created and shared by a collaborative of participants at the #gls2013 #gls9 conference.

SMARTeacher is an advanced math learning software for kids grades 1-5 that uses adaptive technology to create a customized learning path for each and every user

Blog post discussing the use of Portal 2 in Education thanks to the Steam for Schools project.

This blog speaks to some interesting projects and games utilized in game based learning including Riven, Minecraft, and Portal 2

Sharon Boller rebuts Ruth Clark's beliefs that Games Cannot Teach. Phooey, Ruthy!

Todd Finley speaks with Lucas Gillispie about the Wow in Schools project and using games like World of WarCraft in a school setting.

University of Wisconsin game-based learning scholar Constance Steinkuehler talks about her research on online video games and literacy, and how learning skyrockets when students are passionate about the subject matter. Steinkuehler is currently serving as a White House policy analyst, shaping the Obama administration's efforts to encourage development of games that improve health and education.

This white paper by Dr. Chris Haskell highlights the benefits of incorporating gamification principles through quest based learning in schools.

This blog post discusses the basics of game based learning and takes a look at current game based learning projects incorporating games designed for education as well as popular off the shelf titles.

As mentioned in my last post, I am planning to gamify next Fall's first-semester FYC course, using Interactive Fiction (IF) and the multiplayer classroom model. The decision to do so came completely independently of a new MOOC that started this past week that focuses on Games Based Learning (GBL).

Four approaches to playing MUDs are identified and described. These approaches may arise from the inter-relationship of two dimensions of playing style: action versus interaction, and world-oriented versus player-oriented. An account of the dynamics of player populations is given in terms of these dimensions, with particular attention to how to promote balance or equilibrium.

This blog posts discusses the WoWinSchools project and the celebration of failure that is part of the learning through gaming.

This blog post features the top 10 online learning communities for educators involved and interested in game-based learning. Join a community and get involved :)

This blog post does a nice job of defining flow and fiero, two key concepts for game designers to keep in perspective.

Gridjumper's Blog is full of great posts on teaching and learning in 3D environments. Great resources on books, research, Machinima, and more.

The topic of involving girls in game based learning and creating games that appeal to girls for a variety of reasons are discussed in this article.

This article highlights some of the ways video games are being used in the classroom. Trish Cloud and Lucas Gillispe are featured in the article.