Ideas for Game

When I play online educational games, I usually think of games that are structured in question and answer formats or quiz-type formats.  Utilizing the hidden format is a concept I hadn't entertained as an educational format.  I have since changed my opinion about using the hidden format for educational games.  I think the Animals at Risk, for example, was quite educational and entertaining at the same time.

Blog About It

1. What does it mean to have a 'single story' about a place or community?  A single story about a place or community is the stereotype a story is told or perceived about a place or community.
2. Describe a single story you have heard told about your community. What is missing from that story? How could people learn more about that community?  A single story I have heard about my community is  the barefoot and pregnant reference.  What is missing in this story is the story are all those individuals who are hardworking individuals working in the mines, hauling coal in coal trucks, teaching, government (city and state) workers, those in the fast food industry, and hospital employees.  
3. Describe a single story you have heard about another community. How did you learn that story? How could you find out more about that community?  I have heard similar single stories as depicted in the video shown before this segment.  Fictional stories are oftentimes depicting native African citizens living in primitive lifestyles.  I could learn more about this culture by researching the Internet.
4. How could a game let players experience many stories about a place or community?  A game could create the essence of a community by depicting the place or community in a real life light.

Play to Learn

• Name of the game:  Animals at Risk
• What were you looking for?  I was looking for animals that may be at risk from becoming extinct.
• Was the game fun to play? Explain why.  Yes, the game was fun because  found it to be challenging looking for the hidden animals.
• How does the designer reward you and keep you playing?  The designer rewards you with a winning screen.
• What does this game teach you?  The game teaches you about animals that may become extinct.
• How does it use hidden objects to teach you?  The objects are hidden in the forestry scene.
• What age group would find this educational?  I would think primary to secondary education fields would find this educational.
• How would you make this game better?  Clicking on the object did not always work.  I would use a wider object area to increase the likelihood of clicking it correctly.

Globaloria has a new look since I was last on it!  I'm glad to be back!  The 8^th grade students I have for 2012 are a brilliant bunch!  I am excited and delighted to have them in my class!  We have had fun learning about what it takes to be a good team member.

I look forward to seeing wonderful games from this hardworking, terrific group of 8th graders!! -- Mrs. Garrett