The Use of Computer Simulations & Gaming to Enhance Learning

The Use of Computer Simulations & Gaming to Enhance Learning

By Katherine P. MersaiBy Katherine P. Mersai

What is “Computer Stimulation”?

What is “Computer Stimulation”?

also known as “3D computer graphic models”

It is a computer program that simulates an abstract model so that it can be studied and analyzed.

It “can refer to the practice called emulation in which the functions of a particular system are reproduced on a second system.”

Very useful part of mathematical modeling

also known as “3D computer graphic models”

It is a computer program that simulates an abstract model so that it can be studied and analyzed.

It “can refer to the practice called emulation in which the functions of a particular system are reproduced on a second system.”

Very useful part of mathematical modeling

3D Models3D Models

Used in the science, architecture, computer games, motion pictures, and video games.

Click on the here: samples to see some 3D Models on the net.

Used in the science, architecture, computer games, motion pictures, and video games.

Click on the here: samples to see some 3D Models on the net.

Games as part of today’s culture: Fun facts

Games as part of today’s culture: Fun facts

U.S. computer & games software sales over $7.4 billion

Average gamer is 33 years old38% of gamers are women

U.S. computer & games software sales over $7.4 billion

Average gamer is 33 years old38% of gamers are women

Games as part of today’s culture--in the classroomGames as part of today’s culture--in the classroom

Many learning tools are in game format. It makes learning more interesting and

interactive. Children remember information better

when it is in the form of an entertainment.

Kids today grow up with “digital media”. It is a part of their lives.

Research says it can increase student achievement. Read article on web.

Many learning tools are in game format. It makes learning more interesting and

interactive. Children remember information better

when it is in the form of an entertainment.

Kids today grow up with “digital media”. It is a part of their lives.

Research says it can increase student achievement. Read article on web.

Playing to learnPlaying to learn

. . Book by David Hutchinson

Over 100 video game ideas for grades 4-12

Virtually every subject is addressed.

Book by David Hutchinson

Over 100 video game ideas for grades 4-12

Virtually every subject is addressed.

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Video GamesVideo Games

Setting: Fictional African Country

Click on Video Game: Far Cry to see their website

Setting: Fictional African Country

Click on Video Game: Far Cry to see their website

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What about Games Makes them good for learning?

What about Games Makes them good for learning?

It is a major force in our culture.

It can help teach both standards-based academic content and 21st century thinking skills.

It is a major force in our culture.

It can help teach both standards-based academic content and 21st century thinking skills.

Kids love it. They love to

make stuff and be creative (blogs, podcasts, digital images, etc.)

Engage players in “co-creating” the world of game.

Kids love it. They love to

make stuff and be creative (blogs, podcasts, digital images, etc.)

Engage players in “co-creating” the world of game.

It’s all about the Kids…It’s all about the Kids…

Kids learn best by experience.They learn in different ways

and at different speeds.Games are built to reach

everyone who plays them.They like to explore.

Kids learn best by experience.They learn in different ways

and at different speeds.Games are built to reach

everyone who plays them.They like to explore.

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Educational GamesEducational Games

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Let’s Play!Let’s Play!

Railroad Repair: Student has to connect the tracks to complete railroad. Each missing track has a number. You must use the right number of tracks to fill in the gaps. Example: “10” missing tracks…you can use “10” tracks, “9” + “1” tracks, “8” + “2” tracks…so on.

Can you fill it?: Student has to fill up the tank using 3 different sizes of buckets. They must calculate how much and which bucket to use to fill up the tank. If you make a wrong estimate and go over—you lose!

Railroad Repair: Student has to connect the tracks to complete railroad. Each missing track has a number. You must use the right number of tracks to fill in the gaps. Example: “10” missing tracks…you can use “10” tracks, “9” + “1” tracks, “8” + “2” tracks…so on.

Can you fill it?: Student has to fill up the tank using 3 different sizes of buckets. They must calculate how much and which bucket to use to fill up the tank. If you make a wrong estimate and go over—you lose!

ReferencesReferences

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/games/liquidvolume/ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-computer-

simulation.htm http://sodaplay.com/ http://farcry.us.ubi.com/agegate.php?destURL=/

index.php http://www.thinkport.org/technology/

learningwithgames/resources/learning.tp http://www.cbronline.com/news/

video_games_enhance_learning_in_schools_report_claims

http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JITE/v33n4/jite-v33n4.gokhale.html

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/games/liquidvolume/ http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-computer-

simulation.htm http://sodaplay.com/ http://farcry.us.ubi.com/agegate.php?destURL=/

index.php http://www.thinkport.org/technology/

learningwithgames/resources/learning.tp http://www.cbronline.com/news/

video_games_enhance_learning_in_schools_report_claims

http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JITE/v33n4/jite-v33n4.gokhale.html