Saturday, July 26, 2008

EBSCOhost: Minds at Play

EBSCOhost: Minds at Play

This article is from Ebsco through the Databases for Alaskans and originally appeared in the May 2008 issue of American Libraries.

Myers describes implementing video game development programs with children and teens Wilmette Public Library. Article identifies free software and considerations for libraries.

Think about this in your school library...

Most research has focused upon the learning behavior of young people as players within the gaming environment, where it has been observed that during play, gamers exhibit intrinsic motivation and a highly exploratory frame of mind--qualities known to optimize the learning experience.

Some studies go even further to suggest that by allowing kids to design their own computer games, educators can facilitate deeper learning and promote the acquisition of literacies that will be crucial to success in tomorrow's professional and social environments. These studies suggest that kids' best learning experiences come when they are engaged not simply in interacting with materials but in experimenting and inventing with them.

What I like about this idea is that the development occurs offline. Collaboration can occur in person, and sharing techniques and results online.

All very interesting. They chose to programs to use...

Game maker
and Scratch for younger children...

I love this idea, but Game Maker starts right off with first-person shooter games to make. Not sure I love that!


1 comment:

Ann said...

For some kids making their own games would really be authentic. I share your concern about the shooting games. There has to be another way to hook them.

Ann

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