Video Games for Learning - Michael Sparks

Video Games for Learning

By: Michael Sparks

Hart, M. (2016, February 15). DimensionU Enhances Curriculum-Based Games. Retrieved February 20, 2016, fromhttps://thejournal.com/articles/2016/02/15/dimensionu

Summary

• Expansion and enhancement of existing curriculum-based game software.
• Discusses improvements that have been made to the functions of the DimensionU systems for math and literacy (Hart, 2016).
• This article is for individuals to be made aware of new enhancements to the DimensionU software.
• This article is written for individuals to quickly review the new updates that are available for DimensionU.

Assess

• Michael Hart is a freelance writer with significant experience to write an informative article on new updates to an educational tool.
• This information is accurate with relation to what is stated on the DimensionU website.
• Article is written very recently in February of 2016.
• Current and relevant with this incorporation of video games into the learning process.
• Another viewpoint to consider is if students feel that video games assist their learning of a lesson.

T. (2015, April 28). Self-Directed Learning Through Video Games Gabriel Yanagihara | TEDxHonolulu. Retrieved February 20, 2016, fromhttps://www.youtube.com

Summary:

• Incorporating video games such as Minecraft into learning.
• Demonstrates that incorporating video games into the learning process is a viable option for teachers.
• This video was produced for a TEDx Talks video on self-directed learning.
• This video was meant to demonstrate that video games that are not technically curriculum based, can still be effective learning tools.

Assess:

• TEDx is a very credible source that presents skilled orators that are both knowledgeable and experienced in their fields.
• This video is accurate when analyzed with the learning system provided in the game, Minecraft.
• Minecraft is a popular and interactive video game that many students are familiar and up to date with. 
• The way that the students feel about using games such as, Minecraft, is another viewpoint that can be considered.

Reflect:

I learned how much more interactive and expansive video games are being used in learning. From my time in school, I can only remember utilizing a game to learn a lesson a handful of times. I feel that using Minecraft is a great way for educators to promote interactive self learning in their classes. I never would have known that teachers are utilizing these types of programs into their daily classroom lessons. I think that this is an extremely valuable tool that teachers should look into incorporating into their lesson plans. I see it as an asset that will promote student involvement and will ignite their passion to want to learn and discover now things.