For those interested in reading about game mechanics and how they can be applied in the workplace or education, this book is a great read!
It is currently available through ProQuest Ebook Central and is very simple to read. I really do recommend this!
I figured to motivate myself for both my first two units of university I would use the thinkspace blog to gather my thoughts about the Modules and Readings completed. I usually am prone to completing things at the last minute, but this time I am trying to make a positive step towards research.
Thus, this post about my first assignment for EER500.
As an avid gamer I love the challenge and fun of playing new games. Regardless of the console it exists on (though the Playstation will always hold a special place in my heart). As an educator I have always found the act of ‘playing’ can really motivate students into competing tasks at school.
I remember one lesson where a year 8 English class had to complete a personal research task introducing them to Mythology and Legends. Instead of asking students to just pull out their laptops and assign the questions I changed things up. I made the PowerPoint all students have interactive. Taking them to different slides/websites all in the theme of “The Hero’s Journey” and making them a distant traveller, ready to fulfill a quest/destiny/adventure. The Game of Thrones soundtrack would beat through their ears, as they navigated the realm of heroes and quests for magical fleece or daring to defy the Gods of Greek Mythology. The students were immersed.
I think as we get older, education games and applying game mechanics to education seems to falter after primary school. Why is it not utilised more in high school years, where most students have to complete research and tasks for assessments? Why do we fall short on games and playing/learning for fun?
A channel I subscribe to Youtube.com – Extra Credits, explains in small parts how education systems can be heightened by incorporating play and education. If you love games and history I highly recommend their channel.
It’s time I think to try and combine my two passions and see where the yellow brick road takes me.