Globaloria Game Design

1. Which one do you like the best?

 

I liked the Elemental Elegance game, by Team Comatical Combat, from South Harrison High School the best.The game involved learning facts, taking a quiz, and experimenting with specific elements from the periodic table. The game consisted of three rounds. The first being a listing of the facts with photos. The second round was a quiz based upon the provided facts and information. The third was the experimental portion; the player gets to mix the elements and see how they react together. This was a very creative and very cool way to learn about Science. 

 

2. What content is being learned? 

 

This game was constructed using Science content; the periodic table of elements. The player is learning about the characteristics of each specific element, as well as learning about how the elements interact when combined with each other.

3. Do you think it effectively teaches the content?

 

Yes, I think this game effectively and creatively teaches the periodic table content. Along with the facts about the elements are photos, which make the learning processes much more engaging. The quiz questions were also very effective at measuring how much knowledge the player acquired from the first round. The experimental section was very effective because after you decided which elements to combine, you got to guess what the outcome would be; then watch the experiment play out.

4. Does it involve higher order thinking?

 

Yes, this game definitely involves higher order thinking and learning processes. The facts and information are from the lower, general knowledge level. The quiz portion is middle level, application of the knowledge acquired. The experimentation section uses the higher order level of thinking and learning skills by allowing the player to evaluate the knowledge learned to makes judgements, and combine the elements correctly.

 

5. Does the game possess and principles of good games and learning?

 

**They are action-and-goal-directed preparations for, and simulations of, embodied experience” 

The game was goal directed because retaining and transferring the knowledge from one level to the next was challenging. Getting to create your own experiment was a simulation of what it would be like to be an actual individual working in the Science field. The goal of the player was to learn enough about the elements to combine them, and then appropriately perform the experiments.

 

6. In your opinion do you think letting kids design games is productive activity for school based learning?

Letting kids design games for school based learning is an absolutely wonderful idea. This provides them with the opportunity to learn the facts, work with technology, and inspire other to enjoy learning. Kids and adults have different perspectives about the learning process; therefore, letting kids design educational games for their peers is a great way to create games that are both engaging and fun.