HGSET545

Virtual Education Oasis... humm? Where do you think we will be in 2044? Author Ernest Cline, is interviewed about his novel Ready Player One, where "schools are built like palaces on the violence-free planet Ludus, and students take daytrips through both the Louvre and the human heart. These are but some of the benefits offered by the OASIS, a massive, multiplayer online game where most people in 2044 choose to spend their existence, away from the troubles of the real world. The OASIS combines the scope of a galaxy with the immersion of the Matrix; it is a near-perfect virtual reality."

I wonder if the instant feedback and scoring feature helps these kids go into a state of flow more easily while learning an instrument. The experience provides the beginner with all the requirements for flow: clear goals, right level of challenge, and instant feedback

The article pointed out that the concept that the Internet would drive a singular global culture is false. In order to engage people in different countries or cultures with social networks, brands and content producers will need ever more localised strategies.

Teaching that provides Motivation, engagement, and a way to combat budget cuts.

The University of Colorado Boulder exceeded its own researchers' expectations with its iDREAMS Scalable Game Design Summer Institute, and that success has been rewarded with a new $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation. CU-Boulder researchers are tracking how video game design engages students in computational thinking and STEM simulation design.

A popular article that argues play is a universal feature among animals and serves valuable functions

I have found it useful to compare and contrast the links below ( shared by Stephanie and Bharat) Trial ST Math ( mindresearch.net/ ) Reflex math ( http://www.reflexmath.com/)

This teacher also provides a nice, practical synthesis of some of the ideas presented by our recent reading.

As a former Air Force officer, I completely agree with the title of this article. It is simply amazing to see how simulations, video games and other technological platforms are being used to educate and train our nation's soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen.

Surveys show a high percentage of people in the work force are not engaged in their work. They are simply going through the motions for a paycheque. This article uses many of the same strategies that we discuss as effective for students, but this if for the workforce.

Even though the products of this company have been ranked highly as an education app, I am unable to see how this game is any different from the drill type computer games that have been around for ages. Am I missing something ? I think there is a need for both clear guidelines and regulation before a product can be claimed to have educational value.

An awesome infographic on digital natives and the evolution of technology in the classroom.

Podcast about the need for students to be engaged and motivated in their learning before they can apply higher-order creative thinking skills. They are most engaged when they themselves are part of constructing meaning, not when teachers do it for them. This podcast is about engagement in the real schools but I listened through the virtual learning lens.

Some nice pointers for User Interface design in the current context

I'm still not sure if I agree with David Foster Wallace, but his quote did made me wonder: Does the idea of being "smart" tap into some essential human need? Might we add "smartness" to Ryan & Deci's list of intrinsic needs?

Teachers of students with autism say it's the year of the iPad. It provides motivation. It helps with therapy and handwriting practice. It even models appropriate ways to share toys or take turns.