Group items tagged

"Organizers say the contest is designed to 'captivate and engage the viewer by revealing the hidden meaning and intricate details of our world in visual form'."

Cool little primer on how Google Labs support continued innovation.

"Leading figures from the UK video games industry have criticised the teaching of computer studies in schools, claiming it puts pupils off from pursuing computer science degrees at university..."

"Introducing gamers to even the concept of dark energy is a step in the right direction. Someone might hear that term as part of a game and then hear it again in a more scientific context, and that might help them ultimately gain a better understanding of what it is. There's a tremendous untapped potential in games for incorporating cool science."

I enjoy a certain closeness with my roomba, while I love my espresso machine and other gadgets just fine, Roomba and I are pals. My fiance and I even plan to name our first dog after our vacuum.

No game noises made the list, but still an interesting thing to think about when it comes to design, marketing, and even possibly engagement

An opinion from Kera Murphy at Boston's Tech Superpowers. She points out that the lack of multitasking on the device (an omission many are complaining about) may actually be an advantage when trying to focus easily-distracted kids and teens. She wonders whether the limitations of the device will prevent it from being a useful content creation device.

Using game creation as a teaching tool

This paper makes a case for learning games grounded in principles of good fun and good learning, explores the commercial games market, gleaning lessons from this rapidly growing and diversifying place, analyzes the downfall of edutainment in the 1990s and establishes how the current movement differs. Then, this paper lays out the ecology of games with a purpose beyond play and establishes principles and best practices for moving the field forward in a positive direction.

There doesn't appear to be much here as far as quntitative data, but I think this arena is ripe for further educational research.

Moral Kombat takes a look into the controversial subject of violence in video games. Director Spencer Halpin shows the constant conflict between the game creators' first amendment right to make a violent game and the eminent threat that violence poses on the next generation. In addition, the film is full of the latest green screen and high-definition technology that allow watchers to actually envision the world of gaming. Filled with interviews from lead game designers, politicians, parents, and psychologists, this film provides a candid take on the influence games have on youth today.

First off, I really stopped playing the major video game titles after I beat Super Mario Bros. II. It took me like 4 months to best Bowser, but once I did and the world pretty much remained the same I lost interest. Still, I cannot say all the new games that have come out recently don't peak my interest. The problem, I have been out of the gaming loop for so long now that I am at a serious disadvantage whenever I play. The controllers have become so complkicated and sensative that I spend most of the initial induction just trying to figure out what the hell I am supposed to do, and what combonation of clicks and toggles prompts the desired effect. Nintendo's Wii however seemingly streamined the learning curve as my body was the primary controller. Sony is now prepping to launch an entirely new controller protocol that uses the functions of the handheld even less. It might even eliminate the need for a controler all together...all body, all movement are calibrated and support the players avatar.

Avatar is taking a step in the direction of 3D movie experiences

I have heard about these type of devices before, but I think this is the first time I have seen them available for use by the public. Not exactly sure why they chose lights as the reactant, but I suspect it has something to do with the unique alpha/beta waves created by the brain in response ot lighting. Question is, which comes first the thought or the light bulb?

just testing

$50, 000 grant for developers to develop engaging video games for children that promote learning. I am thinking about it!

Personalized learning through tech is described as "Creating a customized playlist for learning." A NYC middle school serves as experiment in engaging students one on one.

Good article about individualized, online tutoring using digital devices.

This is very, very sad. The irony of this tragedy should not be overlooked however. Obsession with virtual dependant leads to starvation of real child.