Learning Games
Why Use Games?
Games allow students to learn without being aware that learning is taking place. Games are fun and interesting to students: Why NOT incorporate high-interest material into our education? Games allow for students to experiment and be creative without fear of being judged. Also, students may learn BETTER through games. Please see the reflections section of my Assessments page for more information.
The games listed below are great free educational games but not simulations. Simulations are extremely effective and fully immersive, but because they are so detailed they are not usually free (there are some out there though). Learn about simulations next.
Simulations are a type of game that allows students to virtually inhabit a character's mind. This character may be a scientist, a congressman, an historical figure, or any other personage. As their character, students learn to do research and make decisions based on the constrictions and situations their character may have experienced. In this way simulations allow students to effectively understand what life as that person may have been like and the difficulty of making real-world decisions. Examples of educational simulations, or "Edusims", include the Oregon Trail, Sim City, and Sid Meier's Civilization
Learn more about Educational Simulations by going to: http://www.creativeteachingsite.com/edusims.html
I've compiled a few links to articles on using games in school or cooperatively with schools (note that there are many other links supporting the use of games throughout this site:
Balanced article on Educational Games: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210134746.htm
Future of Games in Tech by MIT researchers: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2003/educade.html
The effectiveness of games in Education: http://www.cofc.edu/~seay/cb/findsim.html
Teaching with tech, made simple: (The website is a promo for a book, but has some great resources.) http://mrkent.net/
History of Simulations and Games: http://www.cofc.edu/~seay/cb/simgames.html
Examples of Educational Games and Sites:
Nobelprize.org
The site to the left is ingenious. It feels like you are playing any of a million silly games, but you're actually learning. I learned from each game I played. One game teaches you how to type blood, while another teaches you how to care for diabetics by giving you a virtual pet with the illness.
Description from Nobel.org: You don't have to be a genius to understand the work of the Nobel Laureates. These games and simulations, based on Nobel Prize-awarded achievements, will teach and inspire you while you're having FUN!
iKnowthat.com
Not only does iKnowthat.com have high quality games that will challenge students to learn more about all curricular areas and more, it provide Teacher Guides for most games. These are games made for students either in the classroom or for homework. Learning IS fun!!!
http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/ is a site that was also made for classroom use. "Arcademic Skill Builders are research-based and standards-aligned educational games that offer an innovative approach to teaching basic academic skills. We incorporate features of arcade games and educational practices into fun online games that will engage, motivate, and teach your students."
NationalGeographic.com
National Geographic has done an excellent job on the site created just for kids. Students learn about geography, natural resources, and biology through a variety of learning methods, including some excellent games!
Exploratorium.edu Virtual Exhibits:
At Exploratorium.edu students can visit a variety of virtual exhibits that are interactive. These exhibits hit on a wide varity of scientific topics and, like the actual museum in San Fransisco, this Exploratorium allows students to learn by doing (PBL!). The screenshot seen here is of a sound exhibit that allows students to play with rythm and sound.
Learning Clips
For young children this resource provides skills building in number sense, shapes, reading and writing. It is well done and young 'uns will adore the talking robot that guides them through each activity. There are saveral games to use for free, but they do have others that would require a paid subscription.
Online Activity Packs for Teachers:
PBS.org has created activity packs that incorporate webquests, lessons, and classroom activities in a multimedia package. They are interactive and made to be added to your blog or website, as I've added them here, to be shared wdirectly with students and families. If you like any of these you can click the "grab it" button in the lower rigt hand corner. There are many other packs available at http://www.pbs.org/teachers/activitypacks/index.html.
Links to More Resources on Games
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games_menu.htm
http://www.eduplace.com/edugames.html
Virtual Learning's 25 best games for Education (These are of the more commercial games and must be purchased.): http://www.collegeathome.com/blog/2008/06/03/virtual-learning-25-best-sims-and-games-for-the-classroom/
Educational Games:
http://www.lethsd.ab.ca/mmh/games/top100.htm
http://edugamesblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/14/10-great-sites-for-finding-free-educational-games/