Dana Pablo

March 17, 2014

ED265-02

Educational Online Game

My group chose the game Purpy’s Shape, which is a game from the Sheppard’s Software website. It is a game designed for preschooler’s, which helps them to learn about both shapes and colors. They are able to differentiate what is shown with the game and can match the shapes and colors with the pictures shown. There are four levels that give different instructions on how to play the game. Overall the game is quite educational for the given ages it was designed for. When we tested it with one of our group member’s kids, we were able to find out that it was effective on their learning.

            Creating the rubric was quite hard because although we liked the game, there were some negatives to critique it. We based it on five criteria: Creativity, Knowledge Gained, Attractiveness, Accuracy of Content, and the Rules. Each of the criteria gained a “4” rating, except two. Knowledge Gained and the Rules. We gave the knowledge gained area a 3 because students playing the game would not be able to state all the facts. The rules got a 1 because there weren’t specific given rules for the child to follow, which makes it quite difficult. Overall though, we were able to rate the game as “very good” because we felt that it deserved that for being effective.

            I am going into Elementary Education and with the younger students’ having difficulties with identifying colors and shapes, this game would come in handy. I would much prefer it to be used for students in preschool to kindergarten though because it would be more beneficial at those ages. Technology has been advancing in the classroom and educational games are something I wish I were able to have more experience with growing up. According to an article on Doczine.com, “Developments in interactive games can produce guidelines on developing socially based microworlds, and character development in interactive environments.” This is a good thing because social media is a big thing now and it has many positive outcomes as well.

“Games and simulations are often referred to as experimental exercises because they provide unique opportunities for students to interact with a knowledge domain.” This is why I like the concept of using educational online games. They are a different approach to learning the content. I would revise a game if I feel it is not challenging enough or if it is too complex. The revisions will be based upon how I feel about the student. Based on the rubric, I would not want to assign a game I feel will be placed at a 1, which is an overall unsatisfactory rating which will show zero to no effectiveness.

While doing this project I was introduced to Wiggio, which is an online site that is, was designed for groups to interact when making decisions and meeting up. We used Wiggio to talk about the game, where to meet up, who would do and discuss what, and to send our work for review to each other. Wiggio messages also directly go to your email which is so convenient. I enjoyed using Wiggio and found it to be so helpful. There is also an app for it for smartphones. I have a feeling it is something I will be using more often for other projects.

                                                         References:

Shaffer, D. W., Halverson, R., Squire, K. R., & Gee, J. P. (2005). Video Games and the Future of Learning. WCER Working Paper No. 2005-4. Wisconsin Center for Education Research.

Gredler, M. E. (1996). 17. EDUCATIONAL GAMES AND SIMULATIONS: A TECHNOLOGY IN SEARCH OF A (RESEARCH) PARADIGM. Number, 39, 521-540.
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