Serious Gaming

After researching through some of this week’s resources I feel as though I have a better understanding of serious gaming.  I have to admit when I think of gaming, I think of students playing games for entertainment.  What I discovered was that serious gaming is really designed for the primary purpose of using more simulations of real world events and solving a problem through a self directed exploration.  Many of these games seem to be important teaching tools because they are interactive, engaging, and immersive activities.  In the article, Why Game and Learning (http://www.instituteofplay.org/about/context/why-games-learning/) serious gaming is said to support the higher order thinking skills.  These skills include the ability to think, solve complex problems, or interact critically through language and media.  This article also stated three key elements in game play which will play a significant role in learning.  The first is when a player takes interest in a game and expresses a wish to participate.  The second key element is when a player shows they are deeply invested in his or her project or experience and want to save their work. The last key element is when a player reaches a level of mastery and then offers help to a friend.  This creates a learning environment of students teaching other students. 

I already use a few of the given resources for the primary ages.  Our class has used ABCya, PBS Learning, and Fun Brain.  These games have been used during a workstation time when students were exploring on their own.  In order to make this gaming time essential to my student’s learning, it is crucial I test out some of the games before allowing them to play. Using games as a last minute, let’s do this, never really works out well.  I want to make sure whatever I use as a game will enhance what my students have already learned.  I see value in those games that allow the students to make mistakes or fail but then explain or show them why their answer didn’t work.

Cost typically is not a big issue because most of what I have found useful, has been free.  First grade teachers have talked with our principal about paying for an IXL membership because the skills were aligned to common core and it provided a student tracking system.  We are fortunate to have a principal who supports us and is willing to spend the money on educational resources as long as they are meaningful to our student’s learning. 

After looking at a variety of serious games I found one which seemed to be appropriate for my first graders.  I found a game that will help to teach my kids something they struggle with on a daily basis, conflict resolution skills (www.coolschoolgame.com). The game Cool School:  Where Peace Rules is an interactive website that teaches younger children how to solve familiar interpersonal conflicts peacefully in a fun, colorful, and imaginative way.  This game was born after studies showed one in three elementary school children complain about being teased, bullied, and even hit.  In an effort to reduce violence in schools, Congress turned to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service which usually settles labor disputes.  This agency determined a video game as the answer in order to reach students effectively by using technology.  The launch of this program took place in 2007.  The best part of this game is that it is free to both educators and parents.  It was developed with taxpayer funding and contributions of commercial and philanthropic organizations.  Students are taught invaluable social, communication, and problem-solving skills that promote conflict resolution through negotiation, compromise, cooperation, and reconciliation.  For example, a student is given a situation that could happen at school.  The student is asked what he or she should do and then is given some options.  If the student chooses the wrong choice, the situation will play out and result in a regretful situation.  Every selection made will play out and demonstrate to the student the right or wrong outcome of the choice made.  This gives the students opportunities to make the wrong choice and learn from the situation without hurting others physically or emotionally.   After students successfully resolve conflicts, they earn letters, praise, and trophies.  I can see how this game could benefit and meet the needs of my first grade students.  I don’t feel my students are violent or bully but they do have a difficult time knowing how to solve simple conflicts effectively and it can cause many disruptions throughout the day.  

Additional Notes:

Some resources I would like to spend more time in the near future researching are:  http://www.brainrush.com/, http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/, http://www.gamequarium.com/, http://www.gameclassroom.com/, and www.gynzy.com.