Group items tagged

videogames could solve real world problems... maybe

Thoughts on the value of videogaming in education

Two years ago, Bijani finished designing the world's first combat flight simulator for the blind: It is called Three-D Velocity, and it is now hugely popular. Gamers say it takes entertainment for the blind to the next level. Three-D Velocity sells for $43.99 on Bijani's website, and it has been downloaded more than 11,000 times since it first launched. All for a game with no graphics, on a computer screen that is blank, except for the name at the top. It's widely regarded as one of the best "audio games" on the market.

This is an MFA thesis that proposes a practical methodology for implementing Csikzentmihalyi's theory in the design of videogames.

Social studies teacher using entertainment videogames

Potential Risks of Videogame Addiction

videogames may not desensitize to violence

James Gee's claims about videogames and learning

Cute story about a renewed interest in table hockey. One quote: "In videogames, there is no humanity."

An article that talks about how to view violence in games from a new angle. Violence in videogames can help kids gain practical skills. The mystique of violent and scary themes draws children's natural curiosity, and dealing with it is a part of normal child development. It's not the violence itself that is attractive to kids. It's the opportunity to develop and master skills and have the freedom to make choices in the game universe. Also, the violent games happen to have the most emotional appeal to kids.

A study out of Stanford looked at how videogames, in particular serious games and games for health, can activate circuits in the brain associated with positive motivation. "The study published today provides new insights into how these effects might have occurred, revealing that active participation in gameplay events is key to activating the brain's positive motivation circuits. Seeing and hearing the same information without active participation in gameplay had no impact on activity in positive motivation circuits."

This article talks about experiential gaming and making the construct of flow operational for educational games. The study used a business simulation and questionnaire to measure videogame "flow antecedents" like clear goals and challenge-skill balance, flow state indicators like concentration and time distortion, and the "flow consequences" of learning and exploratory behavior for about 100 students attending a school of economics. "This study is part of an ongoing attempt to develop a usable and valid scale for assessing flow experience in educational games." (Log in with Harvard access)

videogame could help with college admissions

A teenager invents a video game to help overcome obesity

webinar on videogames and learning

Interesting idea, I wonder if the children were motivated enough to start programing outside the game too. Thanks for sharing!

WoW in School: Good idea, or fad?

SuperBetter is a game designed to increase the player's "personal resilience" or grit while facing health or illness recovery challenges. Jane McGonigal is one of the creators. The game is in closed beta; it looks like you can sign up to play at least part of it from this site.

A blog post by Dr. David Dockterman. In learning by playing videogames, constructivism and flow are significant.

Video game exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, through Sept 30.