Games & Simulation Used For Education Tina, Seth, Jackie & Lynn

Outline  What is a game?  Different Types of Games  Reasons games are popular  What makes a game successful?  What is a simulation?  What are the applications?  Successful Examples of games  When to use the technology  Who uses the technology

What is a game?  Definition –A way of amusing one self; pastime; diversion  Entertainment and Relaxation

Are Games Just Toys?  Learn more than you think –Imagination –Creativity –healthy competition –focus to be maintained –skills to be acquired –improves hand-eye coordination.  Positively escape from our mundane reality. –It is also known that when someone is playing a game, his or her mind state reaches the alpha level.

Different Types of Games  Computer Games  Video Games  Board Games  TV Game Shows  Many, many more types

What makes a game successful?  Unique Idea  Objective or Goal –Feeling of Accomplishment –Gives an ending  Appeal to wide audience  Challenging  Different each time –Repeat play  Control –Not a movie  Must be fun!

In the late 1880s, the famous Parker Brothers catalog featured twenty-nine games. Chess was one of the first games ever played.

Simulation  The earliest documented use of simulation for training of any type is from the Roman Empire they used simulation for military training  Simulators have been developed to acquire the skills necessary to control movements such as aircrafts, automobiles, and ships.

Applications Applications Games such as computer programs have been used to develop and train various applications. Games such as computer programs have been used to develop and train various applications.  Action games  Adventure games  Sport games  Simulators

Vital Questions Is the program fun enough for someone other then the target audience? Is the program fun enough for someone other then the target audience? Do people think of themselves as players or students? Do people think of themselves as players or students? Is this a good experience, do the students want to play it again? Is this a good experience, do the students want to play it again? Are the users skills in the subject matter and content of the game? Are the users skills in the subject matter and content of the game? Does this game encourage reflection about what has been learned? Does this game encourage reflection about what has been learned?

The Chinese philosopher Confucius once said “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

Successful Examples  Classroom Jeopardy  Game Goo  Animal Homes  Games to Train

Successful Tool  Games are used via the internet, classroom, business environment, training conferences and anywhere learning is taking place.  The use of games and simulation has proved to be a successful tool.

When To Use This Technology Games provide a pleasurable structure for testing the level and application of skills and knowledge.

In What Context Can We Use This Technology? Recreation/SportsMilitaryBusinessEducation

 To motivate learners through challenge, curiosity, fantasy, and control  To provide feedback  To promote relevance through life experience  To accelerate learning  To introduce or review topics  To bring fun and energy in the learning environment  To provide a less threatening learning environment  To encourage creativity and critical thinking  To collaborate decision making  To provide social interactivity When To Use This Technology

GAMES ARE EFFECTIVE FOR: Practicing and checking knowledge Identifying gaps in knowledge or skills Providing an opportunity for review and refinement Developing new mental relationships and avenues for application of information

WHO RECEIVES TRAINING?  A population which has never been without advanced technology  TIVO  MUSIC DOWNLOADS  GAMING COMPUTERS

WHO USES GAMES / SIMULATIONS  MILITARY  POLICE DEPARTMENTS  AIRLINE INDUSTRY

WHY NOW ?  REALISM  RISK FREE  MISTAKES WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE  CONFIDENCE  CRITICAL THINKING NEEDED

FUTURE USAGE AS A RESULT OF:  CONNECTS WITH TRAINEES  COST EFFECTIVE  BETTER TRANSFERENCE TO WORK ENVIRONMENT

Conclusion  Games and Simulation is a extremely useful tool in the development and training of Education, Corporate or Governmental Agencies  They are getting more widespread and will continue to be used in the future

Any questions?