Engaging Kids

1. Kids today need to be engaged in the classroom the way 

they are engaged by technology

a.DGBL engages students better than traditional classroom activities

2. Articles show that over 90% of kids play video games (1)

a.Video games make $10.5 billion per year (2)

 

Finally Accessible

1. DGBL can be done cheaply because many schools already have the infrastructure in place to utilize games

a.All that is needed for games like Minecraft is a computer lab and an administrator willing to learn the game

 

Learn by Gaming’s Unique Approach

1. Proof of this accessibility is Learn by Gaming’s establishment of a Minecraft program at Ascension Catholic School

a.In a single semester we were able to create a fully functioning Minecraft Lab using the school’s existing computer lab

 

Resonating with Teachers

1. DGBL is most effective when it resonates with the one using it to teach

a.Teachers that do not understand the tool they are using often allow their classes to devolve into simple “play time”

i.This is not the goal of DGBL

b.A teacher who understands how to use DGBL makes their classes feel fun, but also incorporates learning objectives into the gameplay – creating a guided learning environment that is interactive and personal

 

Using DGBL

1.DGBL is still young and not yet widely implemented in most school curriculums

2.Therefore, it is up to you to educate yourself and help DGBL permeate more educational institutions if you believe in it

a.Educate yourself and others

b.Get in touch with the games children play

i.Seek out educational experiences in them with kids

3.Here’s some links to get you started:

 

Digital Game-Based Learning - Educause - Richard Van Eck

The Digital Game-Based Learning Revolution - Marc Prensky

 

Join the conversation!  Meetup at Wurstkuche Venice at 6:00 PM on Mondays

starting June 2nd and talk about video games and education!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t make it?  Leave a comment below!