WEEK 5 – GAMES, SIMULATIONS, & VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR LEARNING

In this digital age in which we live, we have witnessed the emergence of various kinds of technology that are now being used in every walk of life, including education. There are different kinds of games (video, computer, mobile, and board games), simulations, videos, and even virtual environments. In fact, there is a whole movement today called ‘gamification’, which is the use of game mechanics or technology in a non-game environment to engage gamers in solving problems and interacting with other gamers. Through gamification, gamers are also motivated to earn badges and points. Games, simulations, and virtual environments engage students in interactivity and practice and they can also build confidence and critical thinking skills. I have chosen a game and a virtual environment as follows:

SPORE – www.spore.com   

Spore is an online or mobile game where gamers can create their own creatures and lead them through five stages of evolution. With Spore, one can also create vehicles, buildings, even spaceships, and then take the creatures on the most amazing journey ever. Anything that is made or created can be shared or used by other gamers. A gamer can evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations, sculpt worlds, and explore the universe. There is always the possibility of creating something new or seeing someone’s new creation that could be used. Squire (2011) notes that “good games ... refresh themselves, offering new lessons the more that we play” (p. 9).

I could use this game to develop creativity and a sense of community among my adult learners. By creating their own creatures and communities, students “become immersed in activities that engage them intellectually and push back on their thinking and actions” (Barab, Gresalfi, & Arici, 2009, p. 3). The fact that gamers are able to use and share the creations of others also fosters a sense of community and builds collaboration.

KANEVA – www.kaneva.com/ blog.kaneva.com

Kaneva combines social networking and a virtual environment; “A digital canvas for creativity and entertainment, Kaneva is the first to integrate social networking, shared media, games and collaborative communities into an immersive 3D virtual world” (blog.kaneva.com). Members create their own avatar and then get their own ‘Kaneva City Loft’, their own 3-D space that they can decorate with their own videos, music, or pictures. Members can ask friends to chat with them in real time in their 3-D space or in any of the public place on Kaneva.

Using Kaneva, students could be asked to create some problem scenarios and then collaborate with others to solve them. Like Spore, Kaneva will not only enhance creativity but also build collaboration and critical thinking skills. Learners/members will be able to collaborate and share ideas and other information through Kaneva.

References

Barab, S. A., Gresalfi, M., & Arici, A. (2009). Why educators should care about    games. Educational Leadership, (67)1, 76–80. Retrieved from Walden Library databases.

Squire, K. (2011). Video games and learning: Teaching and participatory culture in the digital      age. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.