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 often talk about the merits of games based learning (e.g. ‘Developing Communication Skills via Games Based Learning’, tips for use (e.g. ‘Getting Started with Games in the Classroom’, case studies of serious games in action (e.g. ‘Proof of the Pudding Part 2’ and so on. But, if you plan to use games based learning, there are some foundations that need to be in place. If you want to use collaborative games based learning, then constructing teams is important. Group Constructor takes the pressure off this task and allows you to focus on delivery.
Group Constructor is a free program from LangCorr that creates efficient groups. Intended for teachers, Group Constructor reduces the time needed to construct groups for games based learning activities to an absolute minimum. Most teachers will appreciate the power of getting groups right, especially with a more lively activity such as games based learning.
Group Constructor allows teachers to construct groups based on 12 parameters, including gender, level, competence and behaviour. Teachers can also set up their own personalised parameters. They can also decide if they would like to separate certain students or make others work together. The program then constructs efficient groups based on the parameters activated by the teacher. It also saves data about classes, so once students have been submitted to class lists, it takes less than a minute to construct efficient groups. Students can also be involved in setting up class lists etc. which can encourage them to think about their own working habits and behaviour.
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.
We often talk about the merits of games based learning (e.g. ‘Developing Communication Skills via Games Based Learning’, tips for use (e.g. ‘Getting Started with Games in the Classroom’, case studies of serious games in action (e.g. ‘Proof of the Pudding Part 2’ and so on. But, if you plan to use games based learning, there are some foundations that need to be in place. If you want to use collaborative games based learning, then constructing teams is important. Group Constructor takes the pressure off this task and allows you to focus on delivery.
