In this study, the teacher made connections between the game and curriculum-based content in U. S. history through combination of planned actions (e.g. Manifest Destiny and Imperialism) and more opportunistic actions (e.g. Pangaea and the concept of embassy). Such teaching requires a mix of foresight and a willingness to adapt. The teacher in this study was willing to look across the curriculum for opportunities to reinforce previous learning. He also took opportunities to make more specific connections to content being studied outside of the game. (Lee & Probert, 2010)
Response:
Because I teach such a broad spectrum of subjects with the same group of students over a 6 hour day, for 10 weeks, I could see how a game like this might be helpful for me. Each student has a lot of individual work, and a 20 minute gameplay break could help group discussion and cross learning. Some of my students are working toward their GED, and I could see how Civilization III could help facilitate discussions and deeper thinking in the areas of Science as well as Social Studies... the finding about the flood plain, for example, could help inform a discussion about the hydrological cycle. The citizens of the city getting sick could include a discussion about water-borne disease.
I liked that there was a reflective element to the gameplay of Civilization III. The students had to write an after game log about their experience. I think this might be a way to diffuse any conflicts the students might have with decisions about the game play that day. They would have an opportunity to explain why they thought something should have happened differently. I could tie this into a computer literacy activity as well, and have the student write there reflections as a blog.
I primarily teach workplace skills, and I could see how diplomacy might be linked to existing customer service and working productively lessons. However, this article made me think of how to use other games to get this across. Diner Dash, might be one such game, its a pretty quick (but addictive) game that could be a fun way to introduce some lessons.
Forgive me, my response has been mostly about how I could use this game in my classroom, but this reading has my head spinning with ideas. I could see how a 20 minute time slot for a game like this could help the goals of individual learners in my classroom.
Additional Resource:
I was looking for simulation games I could use to teach workplace skills, and after some digging I found a few that were offered online free. This is a link to three that I could possibly use in my classroom:
Interactive Job Interview Games
And, this is the one I played so I could get a handle on how it would work. Although its a bit wordy, I could see using it in a group setting because it shows the range of subtle ways one could answer interview questions.
Interview Game
References:
Lee, J. K., & Probert, J. (2010). Civilization iii and whole-class play in high school social studies. The Journal of Social Studies Research, 34(1), 1-28. Retrieved from http://newlitcollaborative.ning.com/page/research-publications
Vanessa -
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. The development of video games and technology for interview techniques is great. I'm getting reading to embark upon (what I hope) is a series of interviews that will lead ultimately (fingers crossed) to a job that I have longed to have "someday." Perhaps utilizing this tool will help me prepare for the journey.
Don't apologize for talking about how you could use this (and other games). That is the point of this curriculum. We are learning about new technologies and how we can incorporate them into education. I say, GOOD FOR YOU!
I think it's great how you related the article to how you could use the game in your own classroom. I do the same; everytime I read one of the articles or view a video I try to think of ways that I could incorporate that resource into a K-6 classroom.
ReplyDeleteI really like the job interview games you posted; these would be a great resource for someone teaching high school students, to prepare them for future job interviews.
I really enjoyed the additional resourse. What a life long skill job interviewing is! It's funny because I've said to my students, "Are we acting like we're at Mrs. Cline's job interview?" in other words - sit up, talk respectively, act interested :).
ReplyDeleteI don't have a classroom and read every article thinking "how can I use this in the classroom?". I was excited about the job interview game. I have a spreadsheet started of things that may be useful to me when I have a classroom. I'll have to remember that :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent ideas for how gaming could enhance your adult literacy program!
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