HGSET545

Another study indicating that resident performance in laparoscopic and robotic surgery is improved through the use of video game systems like Wii. A side note: there is a Wii system in our departments simulation center and we are encouraged to play it while on call or during our education days.

Back to the basics: "Studies show that positive feelings can enhance students' attention and higher-order thinking skills, as well as encouraging perseverance."

Resource to consider for those working on game design; include

How do fast-paced video games affect the brain? Step into the lab with cognitive researcher Daphne Bavelier to hear surprising news about how video games, even action-packed shooter games, can help us learn, focus and, fascinatingly, multitask. (Filmed at TEDxCHUV.)

This is a very interesting project, especially in light of our conversation about ways that physiological and psychological markers can inform learning systems (adaptive learning, responsive software, etc.)

Allows teachers to encourage engagement through classroom blogging.

One of these 6 MOOCs that caught my eye was the Games MOOC, which offers courses around the use of gaming in education.

Thanks for sharing this interesting article Uche. I think that while the major benefit of online courses is scale and reach, its downside is that it doesn't cater to individual student's ZPD. Still, the article ended nicely with an emphasis on the lecturer carrying out the online course. Great teaching X technology > teaching X great technology.

Interesting approach to increasing visibility of a cause

Virtual Patient App that is being presented at the HGSE Social Innovation competition. It was developed at HMS and is described in the video as a "game" for patient diagnosis and treatment. I downloaded the app and am not so sure I consider it a "game" but found it to be a good tool at developing differential diagnoses and treatment strategies. It also says the app is applicable for med students, residents and attending physicians (in addition to other healthcare professionals), though I don't know if attending physicians would find it very useful.

Article focusing on emerging technology in the realm of facial recognition that may be able to bolster the non-cognitive abilities of adaptive learning environments, by recognizing a student's reaction to content by analyzing body language.