The blog looks at gamification, g-Learning and games based learning theory and practice. It provides insight (via games-ED and pixelfountain) on games based learning use in education and g-Learning (including learning simulations) use in adult learning / training such as application in curriculum delivery, training, awareness raising, organisational development, communications and engagement.
We have written on this blog for a while. Sorry about that folks. The main reason has been the work that we have been doing on a new venture - Behavioural Leadership.
Behavioural Leadership utilises the latest research into people-centred management using Transactional Analysis and Behavioural Economics. Our Behavioural Leadership approach uses experiential learning and Transactional Learning & Coaching to deliver behavioural breakthroughs.
As you would expect from people who are passionate about games based learning at Behavioural Leadership we use collaborative learning simulations to root the experience in a situation. As we say on our experiential learning page, this creates a rich situation that is far removed from death by PowerPoint and combines visual, auditory AND kinaesthetic approaches to create meaningful and memorable experiences. This multiple learning styles approach is supported by research undertaken by IBM and confirmed by the Post Office discovered that long term recall is affected by how the information was originally delivered. Recall after being told was 10%; told and shown (32%) and told, shown and experienced (65%) – Source Whitmore, 2003.
We present case studies which often involve the use of learning simulations and other technology such as e-Learning. We update these on a regular basis, so our game based learning followers might want to keep an eye out for them.
And finally for those who like their information in blog form, then we might be able to help. At the Behavioural Leadership blog we write about the use of Transactional Analysis and Behavioural Economics in organisational development. And within that context, we discuss experiential learning and in particular learning simulations.
Every now and then, we like to stray from the topics of games based learning and gamification and talk about something related but different. We are fascinated by new technologies and what they can do for education and learning. This blog post will look at some of the education technologies that might be a bit out of reach for the majority right now. They might look a bit sci-fi, but this new tech could prove to be the future of education. We’ll then give you a few ideas about how you can get started with implementing more ed-tech right now. Please click on the tiny infographic too to the right from LearnDash to see a full-sized version with teacher and administrator opinions of ed-tech and some interesting statistics.
Google Glass
If you have never heard of Google Glass, the article, “A Teacher’s Guide to Google Glass” gives a good introduction as well as ways that the new tech might be useful for teachers. Google Glass is likely to be out of most teachers’ price range right now, but educators have been getting excited about how it could revolutionise teaching. The article, “How Google Glass Can Be Used In Education” is very informative and gives lots of inspiring ideas with a wonderful infographic. For more real-world examples of how Google Glass is being used right now, have a look at “The Incredible Way a Michigan Physics Teacher Uses Google Glass”.
Augmented Reality
It might be a short while before augmented reality becomes mainstream too, mostly because the applications of the technology for education haven’t been discussed as prevalently as other technologies such as Google Glass. But the article, “Augmented Reality is Going Mobile – And Coming to a Classroom Near You” is a very detailed analysis of what this tech could have to offer to the education world.
3D Printing
Again, this technology might be a little pricey right now, but as prices reduce and as people begin to discuss more and more applications of the technology for education, 3D printing might just be common-place in schools in only a couple of years. This article discusses the “Importance of 3D Printing in Education”, including merits such as increasing interactivity and learning by doing. For more examples of how schools are using this new tech, read “5 Ways Schools are Already Using 3D Printing”.
How Can I Get Started With Ed-Tech Right Now?
Before I give you some of my ideas, it would be very worthwhile to watch this short video from edutopia, “An Introduction to Technology Integration” which gives a great overview of why technology can be so powerful.
Classroom Management: whether you want to incorporate gamification into your classroom management strategies or not, there are lots of ways of managing your classroom using technology. These range from simple noise level monitors to full blown, gamified management systems with avatars, badges, leader boards and so on. Suggested reading: “5 Classroom Management Apps Every Teacher Needs to Know About”.
QR Codes: these are like bar codes that link to multimedia content when scanned with a device like a smart phone or tablet PC. Suggested reading: “5 Real Ways to use QR Codes in Education”.
Pinterest: I think Pinterest is a revolutionary tool for many people and teachers and pupils are no exception. Have a look at our Pinterest boards for examples of how we use the tool. Suggested reading: “How Pinterest is used in Education”.
Projects: we have written about Project Based Learning before (“10 Benefits of Project Based Learning”), which is likely to become a popular feature of education in the near future. Technology can be used to not only jazz up the presentation aspect of projects but also increase learning. Suggested reading: “6 Brilliant EdTech Tools for Student Projects”
Tablet computers: you might not be able to integrate tablets right now and, as with everything, it is about what you do with the tech than the tech itself, but I couldn’t miss tablets from my list. Suggested reading: “6 Examples of Successful Classroom Tablet Integration”.
Those are just a few ways that teachers could implement more technology into their classrooms. Obviously there are many more ways, but these offer a good starting point. It is important to remember though that technology should not be introduced just for the sake of it. It can be powerful when used correctly and alongside fantastic teaching and is not a substitute for excellent tuition from teachers. Careful thought and planning should be undertaken before any tech is introduced.
