Diverse Learners
What are some characteristics of games and simulation that appeal to a diverse population of learners? How can you use this information in your career?
Within my career I teach courses related to information technology and computer science. I find that students really enjoy the simulations that require them to make configurations to the Windows operating system. The best simulation I have found was designed by the Testout Corporation called the Labsim. This simulation allows the student to make a configuration change and then test it and troubleshoot their errors. If the student gets to frustrated they can click Done and see the answers and retake the simulation to lock in their learning.
Do you feel that students should be provided the correct answer to a question so as to reduce their frustration or do you feel this reduces thier development of critical thinking?
I would argue that like much curriculum and instruction, games can have cultural barriers. Too often we think of gaming in terms of popular commercial games that have widespread appeal. This is not necessarily the case. The majority of gamers, and the games they play, or male oriented. This trend is changing. With that aside, there is no guarantee that simply developing an instructional game will overcome gender, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic perspectives that often trouble conventional curriculum and instruction. The media is not the message.
Phyllis,
Excellent point. The gap is definitely closing.
Dr. Karen Drage
Gaming and simulations integrated in to courses can appeal to a diverse group of learners today because of the digital age. Although younger adults have grown up with gaming and are more involved with innovative technology; older adults have also been surrounded with the aspect of digital technologies. They are exposed to these technologies though their children or grandchildren who have introduced the concepts. Older adults would also be familiar with simulation as applying skills to real life setting. Adding gaming or simulation with learning modules to existing courses can engage learners of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
Dr.Phyllis Gooden
Some of the characteristics of games and simulation that appela to a diverse population of learners are engagement, challenges, and a personal level of achievement. Gaming engages the learner in the learning objectives. Learners are able to overcome obstacles by mastering the goals and winning the game. It is competitive and this supports the learning process. When a learner achieves a goal, the learner has a certain level of satisfiscation. This stimulates the learners' growth and devevelopment.
