NCTIES 2011 – Game On! Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom

So, here are some general resources for teachers considering bringing games into the classroom.  In my presentations, I often reference folks I read, bloggers I follow, and resources, so, I’ve tried to compile some of that here.  Here’s the bottom line, “If you’re considering using video games in the classroom, take the plunge!”  What’s the worst that can happen?  I’m pretty confident in saying the all-important standardized test scores won’t go down if you try just one game-based lesson.

The Presentation

Here’s a presentation with some practical tips to get you started:

Jane McGonigal – Video Games Can Make A Better World

Stuart Brown on Serious Play

CNN Future Summit (especially watch the part by Nick Yee who’s done incredible research on the psychology of gaming)

From The Kids:

Those are the adults, but you also need to hear it from the kids!  Here’s what they have to say:

No Future Left Behind

WoWinSchool – Perspectives from Year One of Our Project

Networking

Here are some places to connect with other educators using games and virtual worlds in the classroom.  You are not going it alone, I assure you, and these folks have energy and passion:

RezEd.org – the hub for practitioners using virtual worlds in education.

http://ipodgamesforlearning.pbworks.com/ – connect with other educators using games on the iPod Touch and iPad in the classroom.

http://wowinschool.pbworks.com/ – connect with educators using World of Warcraft as an instructional tool.

Gaming Educators You Should Follow on Twitter:

Peggy Sheehy, Suffern Middle School

Craig Lawson, Cape Fear Middle School

Dean Groom, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

Lisa Dawley, Boise State University

Melanie McBride, Ryerson University

…and there are many many others.

Contact Me

And, of course, I’m more than willing to network!  Contact me:

Via Email – lucas AT edurealms.com
On Twitter – @PCSTech
On Skype – lucas.gillispie