For the past 6 years, I have implemented game based learning with video games, in
correlation with my English/Language Arts class. The process does require a decent amount of preparation and work, but the results are well worth the effort.
In essence, game based learning is an educational approach, where my students explore relevant aspects of games in a learning context along with our English/Language Arts learning strands. This blog post will share/showcase some of these creations along with some of the work students have produced throughout the process. Keep in mind that this is the second Game Based Learning post only, so be on the lookout for future posts! The first Game Based Learning post can be found here. The second Game Based Learning post can be seen here. The third post can be seen here!
Post 3 Games/Educational Experiences
1. Typoman (The Power of Words)
2. Bridge Constructor (STEAM Thinking - Analyzing Bridges)
3. Kholat (The Dyatlov Pass Incident: The Breakout EDU Edition)
4. Kholat (Motivate Teenage Writers with Video Games: The Dyatlov Pass Incident)
5. Human Resource Machine (Look at Me! I'm Learning to Code!)
Video Game: Typoman
Learning Experience: The Power of Words
This deep creation combines a multitude of analytical activities, inspired by the wonderful video game Typoman, created by the phenomenal game developer, Brainseed Factory.
This guide allows the students to think on high levels, as they will need to work through over 20 activities from my game play videos. These activities focus on simple parts of speech, vocabulary, with a healthy dash of analytical thinking.
While at first glance, Typoman may look like a typical platforming game: get past one challenge to meet the next. However, when looked at closely, one can infer that the game has a much deeper message.
Below is an example of one of the lessons the students take part in.
If interested in the entire learning guide, feel free to visit my teaching store.
Video Game: Bridge Constructor
Learning Experience: STEAM Thinking - Analyzing Bridges
This learning experience combines a multitude of thinking and writing activities, inspired by the wonderful video game Bridge Constructor, created by the phenomenal game developer, Headup Games.
This guide allows the students to think on high levels, as they will need to analyze mistakes made in my bridge designs, while proposing their own structural idea. The students will also review concepts relative to basic components of a bridge, along with Newton’s Laws of Motion.
Take a look at one of the learning experiences the students can take part in!
If interested in the entire learning guide, feel free to visit my teaching store.
Video Game: Kholat
Learning Experience: The Dyatlov Pass Incident: Breakout EDU
This Breakout EDU lesson teaches critical thinking, teamwork, complex problem solving, and most importantly, is just plain fun!
The Dyatlov Pass incident details the mysterious deaths of nine ski hikers in the northern Ural Mountains on February 2, 1959. What could have possibly happened? There are many theories. What better way to motivate teenage writers to explore and analyze this historical event through the unique and chilling video game, Kholat, by IMGN.PRO.
Take a look, below, at one of the activities, as well as a video of a former class of mine taking part in the entire learning challenge.
If interested in the entire learning guide, feel free to visit my teaching store.
Video Game: Kholat
Learning Experience: Motivate Teenage Writers with Video Games: The Dyatlov Pass Incident
The Dyatlov Pass incident details the mysterious deaths of nine ski hikers in the northern Ural Mountains on February 2, 1959. What could have possibly happened? There are many theories. What better way to motivate teenage writers to explore and analyze this historical event through the unique and chilling video game, Kholat, by IMGN.PRO.
This lesson guide takes your students through 21 video game play through clips, to be discussed, analyzed, and written about.
Below is an example of a student activity example.
If interested in the entire learning guide, feel free to visit my teaching store.
Video Game: Human Resource Machine
Learning Experience: Look at Me! I'm Learning to Code!
There's no doubt that my video game and educational resources are classroom favorites with my students. It is imperative (in my mind) to connect this medium with educational ideas, for our students are in dire need of developing 21st Century Thinking Skills.
In fact, according to Michael Jung (Senior Consultant at McKinsey and Company), “Our old idea is that work is defined by employers and that employees have to do whatever the employer wants . . . but actually, you would like him to come up with an interpretation that you like—he’s adding something personal—a creative element.”
Research has demonstrated that the human brain does much better in the long term if it is exposed to activities such as brain teasers, logical puzzles and thinking. In fact, research has shown some of the benefits regarding such activities:
• Boosts brain activity
• Provides emotional satisfaction and sense of accomplishment
• Enhances memory and processing speed
• Helps slow the decline and reduce the risk for dementia
• Improves concentration
The human brain is no different than any other muscle in the human body. If an individual wants developed bicep muscles, they need to do arm curls with weights (i.e. an arm workout). Henceforth, if one wants to develop and maintain a healthy brain, it too must be allowed to exercise, which is the foundation of this guide.
The videos for these activities are from the phenomenal video game, Human Resource Machine, by the Tomorrow Corporation.
Look below to see a portion of the learning experience students can take part in.
If interested in the entire learning guide, feel free to visit my teaching store.
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