Session 6 (10/2)

We (Demp group 7C) had our presentation that day. I should say that everything went rather smoothly, which was good.

Anyway, for the games, our group went on to station 3 (the flash games) and station 4 (Wii sports).

On the whole, the flash games in station 3 were rather boring to us. We switched games a couple of times, and didn't play long for each. I guess the reason is because these games emphasize more on the education aspect instead of the fun factor. We expected everything to be fun. However, personally, I would say that there was this particular game that caught my attention. It is the Free rice game. The game states that for each answer we get right, we donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program. On the whole, the game looks just like any games I find on the internet, but the difference here is the meaning behind playing this game. I think it's very meaningful, and it gives people motivation to keep on playing and earn more correct answers. I've tried playing it at home, and so far I've donated 4020 grains of rice.

The other games in station 3 like the one on the weather, or the other racing game that requires basic math knowledge are rather suitable for little children. In the course of playing these games, thay are learning at the same time. So while it seems a bit boring for us 20 yr olds, it should be able to attract the kids' attention.

As for station 4, Wii Sports, I could say that our group totally enjoyed ourselves. That was my personal favorite. The games really tested on our reflexes and patience and all. But there was one thing that was insufficient: time.

Anyway, I came to this website on How to choose and use appropriate computer games in the classroom. There was this table which compiles the different genres of games with examples and descriptions. This to me seems to be rather useful. It helps teachers (to a certain extent) who wish to incorporate games in class to choose the right games that benefit students the greatest.

Also, under the section "Issues for Classroom Use", it brings across some possible problems that could occur during the course of playing, or issues on the different features of the games.

Game-based learning is really not as easy and straightforward as it seems...