WVPT: Making School Connections

The value of games and simulations is gaining increased attention and consideration. Research is beginning to indicate that games can be valuable educational tools. Here are links to resources that you may want to explore as you develop your own opinions about the use of games and simulations for teaching and learning.

Games in the Libraries (http://www.gamesinlibraries.org/?p=4)

This podcast also has a companion blog at http://gaming.ala.org/news/.

iCue (http://icue.com)

I had trouble deciding where to put this resource. iCue describes itself as a “fun, innovative learning environment built around video from the NBC News Archives.” Here you have access to primary source material and video clips. Opportunities to have discussions on current events and other important issues are facilitated on the site. Videos, games, and activities are correlated to courses in U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, and English Languate and Composition. You can take a tour to see how each of the components work together and support education. If you try it out, please comment on this blog to share your insight and opinions regarding its use in an educational setting.

The Education Arcade (http://www.educationarcade.org/)

If you are interested in finding out what MIT and the researchers are learning about educational gaming, you will want to visit this site. Explore some of the games that they have developed. Links to research articles are available at this site as well. And if you want to join in the discussion, take a look at the community section of the Web site.  As always, comment in this blog about how you are using educational gaming, to ask questions, or to offer opinions about how gaming and simulation can enhance student achievement.

New Educational Game Available 

The Federation of American Scientists has developed Immune Attack. This educational video game is intended for high school and entry-level college students. The game introduces basic concepts of human immunology and is intended to excite students about the topic while helping students to understand the general principles and detailed concepts of immunology. To find out more about the game and to download it, go to http://fas.org/immuneattack/.

 Learning Impulse

Learning Impulse is a new Web site that allows elementary-level teachers to create games, tests, and quizzes. Teachers can create interactive games and view reports of their students’ scores. Check it out at http://www.learningimpulse.com.

Zon

 Want your students to know more about the culture and language of China? Visit http://enterzon.com to see a new online role-playing game designed by a U.S. professor who is a top researcher in Chinese education.

WaterLife: Where Rivers Meet the Sea (http://games.noaa.gov/oscar/)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Ocean Service has made available an online educational game designed to provide science instruction for students in grades 4-7.