Week 10 Assignment #2

Gaming Literacy

Gaming Literacy is an approach to literacy that is based on game design. Children love to play games, and by playing they are learning. 

One of the things children really love is to play video games. If you ever watch a child play a video game they are really focused, and they demonstrate major discipline. Video games really keep children engaged, and while playing these games they are learning a new interactive language that allows them access to virtual worlds that are intriguing, keeps them engaged, and challenges them in a meaningful way. Also by playing these video games they also learn to problem solve in a more creative manner. This also teaches children to ask more exploratory questions, and they become more knowledgeable.

**** 4 Major Intrinsic Motivators are: Challenge, Curiosity, Control, and Fantasy****

There are 3 gaming elements that are provided for the player (students) during the games which are very important:

-        Text:  the players (students) need to be able to read the text in order to understand the information that the game is presenting to them. During the games the player needs to identify the main idea of the textual information which is given. They are shown in a game-generated dialogues, this challenges the players to critically analyze textual information. Reading, and understanding what is being read is really important while playing these games, because if they don’t read they won’t be able to play the game properly and this might result in a failure.

-        Visual-Graphic Elements:  this is when players need to have the ability to identify meanings that are transmitted through graphics and animation. Also the players have to learn to distinguish ones player’s perspective from the other players. They not only have to distinguish one player from another; but they also have to distinguish objects in 2D and 3D dimensions. Certain games exercises the player’s visual imagery techniques, and they develop spatial skills.

-        Audio Elements: the sound elements provides the players with a very realistic atmosphere, and it can also signal players to understand and deal with more information that is being provided. There are games that provides a voice chat features that allows for verbal communication between the players. This also enhances the interaction between online game players, and it can strengthen the relationships between online game acquaintances.

Game Goals: the goals are different depending on the type of game that is being provided. Some goals can be to master a certain sets of skills, and there can also be complicated goals that may require for the player to possess a “specialized knowledge” to solve specific problems. It is important for games to be specific, clear, and for them to have challenging goals. This will encourage students to obtain and to retain knowledge better compared to learning through text books, and other text materials.

Game Rules:  there are rules in games, and the rules vary by game. Some rules can be very simple, and other rules can be complicated. In order to “comply” the games rules, students need to explore different and effective strategies in order to achieve their goals. During the games there is also a tutorial prompter in the initial level where they can learn and follow the rules. By following the rules the players can advance to higher levels, and master the game.

Scenario Designs: The scenario designs affects the educator’s decision in selecting a game that may help encourage students gaming literacy, and this can be a great way to motivate them. There are three types of gaming scenario designs.

1.      The first game type has no embedded scenario such as puzzle games. This can help the younger students to learn fundamental cognitive skills, and motor skills.

2.      The second game type is fabricated scenario design. This promotes players to be motivated in regards to a goal realization. This type of scenario can relate to players behavioral change, social networking, mental health, or self- concept. These types of games with fabricated scenario designs are more for entertainment purposes, this could be very time consuming, and educators need to be aware of this type of designs because their students won’t achieve the desired learning outcome.

3.      The third type of game has a scenario design embedded in curriculum – related content. In this type of game, the scenario is designed to be a part of the gaming literacy. This type of game enhances reading and comprehension. There are tutorials to be read, and also they have to understand the meaning of the graphical icons, the game rules, and also the players need to focus on the goals of the game. This encourages and promotes thinking skills, problem solving which is beneficial for all different subject areas. This scenario is geared to be educational. 

Game: Alphabet Bingo

Website: http://www.abcya.com/kindergarten_alphabet_bingo.htm

www.abcya.com

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Alphabet Bingo is a very interactive game. The teacher is allowed to choose between Letter Name and Letter sound. There are characters and music in the background. Before playing the game the rules are given. 

* * If the teacher pics the letter sound, the student can go up to the board game and choose the correct letter of the sound the little monster makes. If he/she pics the correct sound a little monster appears in the correct letter. There is also a Repeat button as well. After Bingo has been won there is a score report and students can see the errors and how many they got right. After they can go to the next level.