Learning through gaming - Conclusion

What have I learned through gaming?

I believe I have learned an enormous amount about myself, my children and how children learn in general. I have walked in their shoes and have experienced the emotions they do albeit in a more conscious manner.

Frustration:
In a classroom, a teacher will try to make students feel at ease and make the learning environment as pleasant as possible. A teacher will attempt to tap into all the different learning styles and use as many senses as possible. I have now encountered psychosocial moratorium. I have reached a level of risk that I would otherwise never been able to handle. I am going beyond my comfort and safety zone. What if I could create such an environment for my students? Would their learning be:
- more memorable
- deeper
- placed into long-term memory storage
- be seen as fun, not learning but be actual valid learning

Time on task:
In classrooms, time is very valuable. Many skills must be taught. Every activity must relate back to specific goals, related back to curriculum, related back to the Core Content Standards. Time matters. Every task has a purpose and must be accomplished in an efficient time frame. Class time cannot be wasted, it is too valuable.
Was the education I received from Sims 2 Deluxe valuable and worth the time I put into it?
I found it very difficult to find the time to play the game. The learning curve was huge in the beginning, but became smaller as I did more research and raised my confidence (= got help). In the back of my mind, I game myself a time frame to accomplish progress. In the end, I progressed and arrived to a point of comfort in the game. I felt my time on task was worthwhile.

Adults and gaming:
Gaming has tremendously changed over the past ten years. Now the gaming industry targets different groups. Today, games target athletes, girls, adult males, adult females and the elderly. Now gaming affects more social groups and age groups in our society. What is the effect of gaming on adults?

In the past, my opinion of gaming was that it was a waste of time. Now that I have actually attempted to play a game (for more than 5 minutes) and to understand how the game worked, I have a different appreciation for gaming. I now see gaming a relaxation tool, similar to television. What is the value of relaxation to an adult? In the adult world of schedules, work and home life, adults take very little time for relaxation, or personal time. Why? Mostly because there is always one more thing to do…..laundry, run to the pharmacy, check email, pay bills, go to a sporting event, walk the dog, …………….
Adults can greatly benefit from relaxation and escaping the “real world”. I stand corrected, playing video games (hand held, computer or platform) can help a person relax and ground themselves.

Learning:
It is always important to be an active learner/student. Students learn in many different ways, and by different means. Is it important for students to know they are learning?
In my opinion, it does not matter if they know they are learning at all times. Proof is, learning in video games is unnoticed.
I learned there are innumerous "unofficial" resources among children, on the web, in the bookstore, etc... Do we use them in schools? Actually, most schools block these sources and how many teachers allow students to use each other as resources? Many are adapting though.


Education and gaming:
Education is constantly changing. The era of sitting in rows and working individually has given way to work stations in the back of the classrooms (centers), lit circles, and enormous amounts of group work, where students learn from each other. It can be concluded that gamers have much success in this type of classroom setting because gaming is based on many of the concepts. Through socialization, gamers improve. An argument can be made that not all students are gamers. However, gaming has changed greatly in recent history. Gaming platforms are changing, targeting the athlete and the girls, whereas 20 years ago, non-athletic boys were targeted. A large amount of children across social groups and ages are gaming now.

There are many differences in education compared to 10-20 years ago. Today, many children have behavioral (anxiety, depression), education, social issues and physical limitations. Gaming allows children to start a game on an equal plane. A non athletic child can win an Olympic race. An athletic child can win at Big Brain Academy. A child can defeat or outperform a parent. Children succeed in games where they might not in the “real world”.

I believe that if teachers looked at the core of gaming and the skills required to succeed in gaming, they would be able to reach children that they would otherwise never reach.
As a teacher, I have found that understanding the processes of gaming has helped me understand my students. I have found, over my 12 years of teaching, that students have changed. I have found that students:

- are unable to understand time parameters
- don’t aim for perfection on first try
- expect to take “retakes” on assessments
- want to be entertained
- do not see the need for ongoing studying
- only do required work, they do not over and beyond

The reality is that students are still expected to reach a level of mastery in the various subjects. Proof of this is grades are still assigned; reading levels determined and state standards are still enforced by establishing Core Content Standards and by having students take state assessments.

Obviously gaming cannot be blamed for all difficulties in education. However knowing about gaming explains many behaviors in students. In games, it is always possible to start over if a gamer is unsatisfied with the way the game is going. Also, gamers pause the game, as often as needed, for many reasons: to do more research, to do other activities, to get help, etc…Then, the gamer picks up where he/she left off, renewed, recharged and better informed. While gaming, it is very easy to lose track of time. I was shocked to see that I had spent 3 hours gaming on a Saturday night. My shock was not only “real time” passing, but I had time reference in my game! My Sim had already gone to work for a week, thrown a party, learned how to cook meals, slept…things that in real life would have taken more than 3 hours. Time perception is altered in gaming. How can children adapt to real time when each game has a different form of time?
I am still trying to understand why students do not understand the need for studying? I am not “blaming” gaming, but I think that by looking at gaming, the environment where most children spent the majority of their time outside of school, can give a clue as to why students don’t think to study or review notes? I have found that children do not see the research they do as real “research”. When I tried to explain to my children that by talking to each other and looking up cheats they were researching they disagreed.
My conclusion: the key to learning is to not know you are learning. Make learning fun and interactive and children will succeed.

This school year, one of my goals was to add more “games” to my curriculum. Why? I found that certain students weren’t studying, something extremely necessary in a World Language classroom. Albeit my games were made of paper, Velcro or resembled “jeopardy”, students experienced success and had fun. Grades improved and the end product was that students, who in the past had been unsuccessful, were now able to converse, write and progress in French.

Some might argue that instead of instilling value and strict teaching techniques I am giving in and using an easy way out. To those I say: “What is my goal?” My goal is for my students to succeed. I am still encouraging them to study, and my standards are the same. I have not changed my tests. I continue to discuss study methods, additional resources, etc… However, in modern times of multiple social activities for students (including gaming) I have found a way for students to succeed by using skills that they excel in.

Conclusion:
It is important to look at the structure of gaming and its benefits. Gaming encourages children to be creative and thoughtful. Gaming encourages children to think outside the box, not simply follow rules. Gamers succeed by breaking rules, finding alternate outcomes, pushing the limits. As technology pushes us to re-invent ourselves as a society, gamers already understand where we are going and are adaptable. Had I not had the experience of gaming, I may have become a dinosaur in a world I didn’t understand. Now, I understand that some discomfort is acceptable, if not encouraged. By embracing the challenge of gaming, I am opening myself to learning from a student, who is the “sage” in the gaming world. I accept role reversal and challenge what I believed to be the norm. Gaming has made me more adaptable as a person, parent and teacher.

I hate technology

OMG...I spent an hour finishing my "final thoughts" on blogger.com. I kept hitting save draft.....IT DIDN'T SAVE ANY OF IT!

I hate technology!

OK, I went back!

So, I caught some grief from my fiance about quitting the Sims game. He told me I could try to do something different with my Sim. He suggested woohooing (of course) or going out. I told him it wasn't worth the time, blah, blah, blah...he told me I was full of it.

I started to play the bass fishing (I could reel in the fish) so then I decided to go back to Sims.

So I played for about 1 hour, trying to make her happy. I was doing OK...well, not really. Her happy meter went to orange and she wasn't following all my directions: putting on her pj's, cleaning up when I told her to. I couldn't figure out how to please her. I had a party, had her relax and watch tv, gave her a bath, etc....
At any rate, my fiance called me over to watch him fish salmon (it was cool) for no more than 5 minutes. When I went back to the computer where my Sim was..................I SAW A FIRE AND THE GRIM REAPER!
What the heck happened. I tried to click on the grim reaper and a pop up told me the household was dead and there was nothing I could do. However, I could now have another family move in, since the family was uninhabited now!
Well, I'm a quick thinker....I exited the game and DID NOT SAVE!!!!! aHA!
When I reloaded the program, Sophie -my sim- was still there.
I excaped death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so, now I know how bad it can get! Holy Cow is all I have to say!

OK, so I guess I have no-where-near mastered this game. Obviously I need to work a heck of alot more to keep my sim alive!!! Lesson learned!

Risk taking

Well, I (finally) started a new file on Sims. I now have one Sim, a female, who looks like me, except better physically and mentally. I improved her face including her nose ( I have nose issues), her body type and yes, her personality. As I've mentioned before, I disagree with the Sims description of a Leo, so I made her a Gemini. According to Sims, their personalities seem more outgoing and happy! I figured out I could pick out various outfits for "Sophie". I chose her turn ons and turn offs....(weird). Then it was off to buy a house.
I bought a small house, she's alone, so it didn't need to be big. I purchased all the necessary furniture which covered basic necessities. I didn't forget the dresser, so she could change clothes, the counter in the kitchen so I could put a sink in it, a TV so that she could relax and of course the fire alarm and security system so that my house wouldn't burn down or I wouldn't get robbed.
I then went into active mode. I did turn on "free-will". I'm not positive what that does, because I still had to feed her when she was hungry, etc...
At any rate, I watched her "needs" and "desires". I got her a job. I made her interract with people that cam to her door, I guess they were her friends. I made her eat, relax, go to the bathroom. She even journaled.
Honestly, I now find the game boring. I feel as if I've mastered it. The sad truth is that I'm not interested in playing it anymore!!!! I feel as if I "get" the game and that I've created a completely feasible scenario (one Sim) and am no longer challenged by it.

I've actually gone as far as to go to the store and buy Bass Fishing for Wii, and am looking forward to playing it. Why? Because it looks DIFFICULT! How crazy is that? 13 entries ago I couldn't figure out how to play Sims. I was frustrated, I felt guilty about abandoning my family, I didn't get the goal. Now, I don't care. I want another challenge. I keep thinking:"maybe I should try Sims Castaways?". At first I couldn't even imagine trying Sims castaways. I thought if I couldn't handle regular Sims how on earth was I going to try to survive on an island if I couldn't in a regular town!!!

The conclusion I come up with is that I tapped into every resource I could to learn everything I could about Sims. I "figured" the game out, and was able to feel "satisfied" about what I set out to do. Now, I know how to figure out video games. I know that I need my resources or I will be frustrated, angry, worried, feel alone, confused and want to give up. The thought of starting over with Sims Castaways does not feel as overwhelming as the first Sims did. I have more knowledge, I know who to go to if I need help, and I know that within about 10-15 hours of playing I will improve. I won't master the game in that amount of time, I know I have not mastered Sims Deluxe 2, but I understand the game and feel that the game is no longer challenging. The attraction is gone!!!

I can now understand why my children lose interest in their numerous video games. "It's boring", they say. At being asked "Why is it boring?", they answer: "it's too easy!"
Well, that made no sense a month ago. My logic was, you just got the game. You hated the game the first two times you played it. It's been a month. Now, the game is too easy. What happened? What do you mean you want to sell it and buy a new one?

Ok, so now I get it! The challenge now is playing Bass Fishing. It looks REALLY challenging. I have no resources (I doubt my kids have ever played it) and am not that good at the Wii. Am I insane? I'll let you know once I've tried the game. Perhaps "Sophie" from the Sims is exactly my speed, and maybe I'm gettting too cocky thinking I can handle more! We shall see!

Nintendo DS in schools

It's funny how timely certain articles are. I just got my Edutopia newletter by email which has a poll about the value of computers and games in the classroom.
The articles talks about schools around the world using these games to work on children's cognitive skills. An example being schools in Japan using them for Japanese characters and math. Other schools working on daily "brain training". Fascinating stuff.
Thus establishing a philosphy of using technology to better education. Yet another article (I paraphrase) discussed the amount of money spent on technology and its lack of use for a variety of reasons. How true! A school district will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars attempting to catch up with technology, having as many computers as possible in the back of the classroom, the latest software packages, a professional looking website, ......to what end?
Are all the above what teachers need? Are all of the above what students need?
Quite frankly, is there one answer for students and all school districts?

I have been truly puzzled about technology in the past few years. For one, I am in what one would consider a pretty advanced district both pedagogically and technologically. For another, I've been encouraged (strongly) to implement technology into my curriculum.

So now, I have the tools: the equipment, the training (webquest, professional development for whatever software I want to learn, someone to help me develop projects that implement technology in my classroom). I create projects that challenge my students, but are very time consuming. I am so proud of what my students create: a seemless blend of French language, culture and advanced skills in technology, including building French storefronts from autoshapes, using free-flow animation, imbedding sound files. I am beaming as I am being observed during this lesson. I think: "Wow, I created this project idea, my students executed it with perfection. I did it!"
Conclusion from my observation: Is this the best use of the students time or could they have created the same thing (dialog in a store) in less time in your class?

Honestly, I truly felt as if the wind was knocked out of me. I had to really think this through. What was my goal, what was my method and what was my outcome. And in the end: Was it all worth it?

I felt very strong about my "technology infusion project". I still do. My students learn so much more through this project than they would have just sitting in the classroom writing down a dialogue on paper. Of course the project could have taken two days. However, that is not the point!
I could write a 10 page paper about why I created such a project and why the outcome benefit my students beyond the French classroom.
- My students can listen to themselves and hear their accents.
- My students can think about how to create a human being with shapes rather than stealing on image of Google.
- My students can demonstrate what a true French cheese shop or Patisserie looks like on the inside.
- My students know how to properly address a "vendeuse" and to be polite as you enter and exit a shop. Some even went beyond and created the entire "village" with it's roundabout in the center, and it's town center.

Yes, I did type out my lesson plans as to what my goal was and by what means I will get to that goal, but the outcome was far beyond what I even fathomed. My students had no sample, just a guideline. They reached beyond my expectations because they are visual. They were on a keyboard, with software they were familiar with. They pushed their own limits because they were engaged. I taped into their interests.

Yes, I believe the project was worth it. Beyond anything I could have had them create with paper and pencil. Quite frankly, my students enjoyed that project. They did not mind speaking French with a funny accent. They are proud to play it over and over again for their classmates. They are PROUD of their work!

So, Yes, I fought to explain my stand and my justification. Conclusion, "find another project for next year. Remember," says my supervisor, "it's about French not technology!"

I am speechless!....well, generally not for long!

Yes, technology can be used efficiently and well. Technology can bring meaninful education to students. Yet, there are a multitude of ways this can be accomplished.

I believe that at first, for some, infusing technology may seem artificial (!) and difficult. It may seem as a unatural/difficult fit. However, by allowing the students to take the lead and giving them a gentle nudge, they will find a seemless flow between technology and whatever topic a teacher presents. Teachers, comfortable or not with technology, must trust that students can take the lead and create. That is how a 21st Century teacher should teach, as a facilitator, not an all knowing sage!

More gamer research

I told a few students about the class I am taking and the video game aspect of it.
We discussed the Sims (EVERYONE has played the Sims! Apparently it is very particular style of game compared to other games!). They laughed at the fact that I needed so much help!
Conclusion: Either I dropped in their esteem because I couldn't function without help in the game OR they have a higher esteem for my intelect because I couldn't figure out something "so simple".
I gave up on the conversation and went back to teaching French...something I think is "easy as tarte"!

New Job!

It is official. I got the Media Specialist job as of Sept. 2008.
Woohoo.....(not the Sims Woohoo, the real life woohoo).
I am a little worried because I've been teaching World Languages for 12 years. I must make the transition from classroom to schoolwide instruction. Many people have high hopes for the Media Center. I truly hope to accomplish that and more.
Unfortunately, my school is not a video game and I can't get a fresh start if I mess up, so I have to plan and organize and research and...be a thourough student before I take on this position.
Wish me luck!

Pausing a game

Thank goodness the all-knowing game creators thought to allow for "saving" a game.
Many an outing has been delayed in my home because someone needed to "save" all the work they had done.
I do recall once (and only once), turning off a game without allowing my kids to save. Tears I tell you, waterfalls, Tsunami....well, I never dared to suggest that a game be turned off without saving. Actually, quite the opposite, I ran out and bought "memory cards" so that there was no chance of every losing any of their work!

Years later, I understand first hand. Why would you work so hard at improving your character's life, accomplishing tasks, getting to the next level and not save it. A gamer's goal is to reach the highest level, gain more power or skill, ...accumulate whatever you are supposed to accumulate.

I do remember earlier games though, that did not allow for more than one file being saved. That caused many issues with allowing other players on their games. It takes alot of trust to allow someone else to play on your file and know that they will improve your stand rather than worsen it. Not many gamers will allow such a thing.

Today, games are so complex and have really thought through the "issues" of multiple gamers on one game. The kinks really do seem to be worked out as games improve.


As far as pausing allowing for learning, just look at my blogs. I've discussed, researched, and discussed some more, which now give me the confidence to succeed and improve, all while mantaining a family in-waiting on Sims. Whereas the first try a few weeks ago could have ended just like in Pac Man when my man got eaten by the ghosts......(I can still hear the tune in my head!) had there not been a pause or save button.

Networking

After helping my fiance on Sims last monday, he gave my daughter an assignment. Find how to get a garage on Sims.
Let me tell you, she forgets to wear a coat in a storm, she forgets to brush her teeth, she forgets to feed her animals..............................SHE FOUND OUT HOW TO GET A GARAGE ON SIMS!!!!
Go figure!
She went right to the source. The person who introduced her to Sims. (That would make her part of the Jedhi Council if this were Star Wars! or a Pokeman Master.....)
So, conversation at dinner: how to build a garage on Sims!!!That's great news, now he can get a car. When he has a car, he can go socialize "downtown". Remember, socializing is what makes Sims happy!!! (he's still working on "Woohoo" without marrying the girl.....not happening ! He needs to get out more!)

I also went to Borders, looking at cartoons (Garfield, Calvin and Hobbs)....guess what was next to it..........................Books on video games......well, I just happened to start looking for Sims....It's not like I went in looking for them, so no harm, right? I couldn't find the book for my game, I did find the Sims Holidays Guide....apparently my neighbor has Sims Holidays......How COOL! Can I borrow it? I didn't know there were so many Sims games!!!

Seriously, now that I've discovered gaming, I don't have time to go to work, go food shopping, bathe....I'm just kidding. I can see how gamers get caught up in their games and lose track of time.

Taking the leap

I've been reading Gee's book, watching everyone in my family play Sims (I now have to negotiate as to when I can get the disk back....) and have learned so much about the game, the "tricks", and goals that I really want to start over from scratch.
I was reading Debby's blog and saw that she was having a blast with her family, letting everything run amuk.
I suppose I worry what will happen to the family if I just let them go.
Then I wonder what the heck is wrong with me and that I"m taking this WAAAAY too seriously!

If I were to start over now, I'd know what rudimentary items MUST be in the house. I'd know about the "life meter" or whatever its called that monitors the Sims' needs. I'd watch time more carefully (it moves so fast) and make sure my Sim were ready for work. The biggest one, that I just learned that EVERY SIM CAN IMPROVE HIM/HERSELF BY READING MAGAZINES. All Sim knowledge is learned through reading. (I think that is a phenomenal message!)

I would then get a bookshelf (I"m getting smart) so that my Sim could:
- learn to cook more than mac n cheese or a tv dinner
- get a better job
- socialize
and so much more.
I never knew that. I could not understand why I had such limited options when I clicked on the things I wanted to do. Why can't I cook more than mac n cheese? (That was really bothering me)

I honestly feel like I get the game now. Will I take the leap and start a new Sim? Why not? I'm sure the family I created will be fine without me. I turned free will back on. Worse case, they'll get constipated because of all the mac n cheese and TV dinners.

A different outlook on gaming

After hearing about my adventures on Sims, my fiance decided to try it. He is a "tech guy". He may have thought that he would have had an easier time with the game than I did. Who knows.
At any rate, he watched part of the tutorial with me on sunday.
Monday night, he loads the game on his laptop and begins to build his Sim. I gave him the quick run through on building your Sim and how you shouldn't start with more than one because...we're old and it's just too much to handle.
He quickly begins to click on EVERY icon/button to discover you can change the face (including bone structure), he adds a goatee, glasses....basically, he makes himself! Why do we do that?
My youngest offers to help him (yes, I was told to take a hike but she helps him!)
I left, to come back an hour later to see the two of them STILL playing. His character is trying to "woo" another character. I questioned it, to get the answer:"your daughter told me to do it!". She starts laughing, saying he tried to hug the newspaper delivery lady. His retort: "you told me to hug someone".
Then, my two daughters and I were firing off instructions. I was watching what I consider the "life signs" (because that's what it looks like), such as bladder, hygiene, environment.
I was happy to see that my kids didn't know how to improve the environment (a plant!).
The kids were a HUGE help (except when they were explaining how to "woohoo"....that was disturbing to a mother. According to them, there is a video!!!! lol)
Honestly it was quite comical.
After all was said and done, he and I discussed his experience.
With help, he built his own house. He said it was hard, but my daughter helped ALOT. He did question if I would have had the patience to work with her. She is very quick:"click this, click that, now this, hurry....". In the process, he lost his Sim and had to rebuild him.
He did manage to go to work and earn money. Something I was never able to do.

It was very funny to watch him on the screen, with his characteristics (personality and all). He is his Sim. Yet, when I questioned what his Sim was doing and how appropriate it was (in front of the kids), they all looked at me and said it was a game.

I truly believe children DO NOT associate a game to their lives. The way my kids talk about "woohoo" in real life is embarassment, "be quiet", eww...that's gross. Yet on the game, they knew every step to take (kissing, flatering, inviting over, BIGGER BED, arch to get married, video) and were not embarassed. It was so matter a fact.
When they create characters, they also make them look like themselves, yet they see no corrolation between their characters actions on the game to their own in real life.

Contrarily, when they watch TV, they know they are learning. They associate what they learn on TV to who they are.

The reason this puzzles me so is that a few times, I've had discussions with them about something they had learned in a game, Harvest Moon, that had helped them in school (what a sicle was and what it was used for). With the statement to follow: "See, video games help you learn!"

My conclusion: to the young gamer, video games help you learn vocabulary and skills but not behaviors.

Back to the game...sort of

My intention, today, was to start the game over. In reading the comments on my blog, my partner and Debby did point out it may be easier to start with one Sim. I further felt justified by the fact that when children get frustrated (in gaming or in school) they start over.
Well, then I saw the tutorial, and the concrete-sequential learner in me took over. What better way to learn than with a teacher! Tutorial Joe to the rescue!

Let me tell you, I learned so much about myself as a human being today. The Sims creators must have PhDs in human psychology because i found out why I am the way I am! Perhaps my children understand me better thanks to the Needs Barometer and the Simology in the Sims.

Let me begin:
I begin the tutorial, clicking as Tutorial Joe tells me, hovering to find the "meaning" of all the icons. It begins with the Needs Barometer. This explains all the needs of the Sims: Hunger, comfort, bladder, energy, fun, social, hygiene and environment. Simple enough, let's dig a bit deeper (I am aware that a child will not see the depth of what I'm about to read into but the purpose of this course is to think and apply to learning).
Hunger: A Sim can make himself food or call out for pizza. So realistic!
Energy: A Sim needs to be in tip top shape, therefore to reenergize he can nap or drink coffee! These are the only two options. What about food for energy? That what I do! (granted I have taken to "running on Dunkin'", yet the Sims creator already figure that one out. Mr. Sim PhD knows me better than I know myself.)
Hygiene: "Often overlooked". All my characters have green stench following them around them. I can't keep up with all their needs and that one goes by the way side!!!
However, in the explanation, Big Brother Sim explains that "a bath is much more soothing to a Sim than a shower". So realistic!
Environment: A Sim needs color, neetness and greenery!

Which leads me to think of something very important. All these traits or Needs Barometer are things that parents teach their children! Can Sim 2 Deluxe replace parenting. What about those teachers that say that parents are not teaching their children what they need to know?

When I tell my children to take a shower, perhaps I won't need to explain why!
When I ask them to water a plant, perhaps they will no longer ask me why I even have plants!
When I am resting or drinking coffee, perhaps they will realize I need energey!

Wait a second, they play this game and I still have to explain myself! Never mind, a game can't replace parenting!

On to Simology. These are all icons I never noticed before. I was too busy with my family of Sims to pause and research on my own.

Simology is a Sim's personality, fitness, interests and memory.
Interesting that the fitness component explains that: "eating makes a Sim gain weight. Exercise will keep their trim figure.

I believe that Sim PhD made an attempt at building a world of happy, healthy creatures. What the gamer does is up to him or her. However, keeping a Sim happy will give you more options.

"Sims are sore losers".
I find it interesting that personality traits are detailed and explanatory. How great would it be to know people's likes and dislikes and how to please them! As a child/gamer, the only way to upset someone is to intentionally not give them what pleases them. Aha! The fun in the game (per my daughter) is to not give them what they want! The game continues, yet in another direction. (She's a stinker in real life too, not only in the gaming world)

I had a light bulb moment, as I was going through the personality traits of Sim characters. I discovered (based on the quite accurate descriptions....I tell you, PhD!) that I am:
- Active , always on the move, but need alot of food and rest (OMG, that's why i'm always tired!)
- Outgoing, not necessarily a plus according to the game.
- Neat, "great for a house, tiring for a Sim" (That would explain why I'm always tired)

Conclusion, i am a Sim!

I really need to think about this now.
I have to think about:
- How this makes my children feel?
- Why is Sims so popular?
- Why am I even looking for myself in this game?
- How did a game explain to me why I was so tired?

As a teacher:
- Can Sims be part of a curriculum? Which one/ones?
- Have I grown as a teacher through gaming???????

My head is going to explode....and I'm begun drawing speech bubbles to express to my family what my needs are. Fantasy has become reality!

I am a Sim!

Modern Research- Talking to children

The teacher in me decided to do some research a la kid style: I discussed gaming with my kids. I asked them if they had used the Sims instruction book (because it seemed worn). I got total silence and looks of "are you joking". Tranlslation: NO!
Apparently kids don't read! That could be a problem down the road ....oh wait not, that's already a problem!
(Yes, I have become quite sarcastic because this game is tapping into all my weeknesses. I'm linear, Concrete sequential, "what are we doing today", make a list kind of person. Flying by the seat of my pants used to be let's eat out! Now it's turn off "free will" and let's see how much chaos I can cause! I MISS MY COMFORT ZONE!)

Research continues:
I know for a fact children communicate with each other about what they learn. I see my children talking about games and how they reached different levels, win battles, they play for each other (sister playing for sister, 3rd grade boy playing for a 5 th grade girls to help her). I SEE IT ALL THE TIME! They help each other. I know it is going on.
What have I learned this week about that exact issue: KIDS DO NOT REALIZE THEY HELP EACH OTHER. They see it as conversation. I tried to explain to my children that they help each other in all these different ways and that is why it was difficult for me to know what they knew in gaming. They see it as they just know. They are not conscious of how they learn. They believe they just figure things out.

This brings up an interesting point. When students try to study for a test, they are often frustrated. Why? They are used to just getting it. They have a difficult time understanding that there are different forms of learning.
How can educators adapt to that effortless means of just getting it?

Being a World Language teacher, the answer is immersion. If you are surrounded by it, much like a native american growing up in the US, you are surrounded by what you are learning. You don't realize that you are learning.

I had been asking myself a similar question: how do I get my students to learn without making them think they are learning. This year, I thought I found the answer: Use games and technology.
I have to say, it is March, I am exhausted, but I think its working. My students are learning vocabulary, gender, conjugations and are speaking more in the target language. They are not complaining. How can they, they are actually doing less work at home. I would be shocked if most of them studied. This is not to say, I don't preach studying. Boy do I. I tell them that studying would make them more comfortable and sure of themselves. They would not rely on their notes so much. Some listen, some don't. Nonetheless, they are successful.

I do realize that I have given myself more work. I have double the grading that I had. I have to create these games and oral activities be they paper, velcro, card games, fly swatters, sorting games, interactive dialogs, podcasts, presentations...... However, by grading them, the students give them more value. In reality, they are practicing all the skills I need them to.

End result:" All we do in French class is fun and games!" Guess what, you may be having fun and games, I'm working my butt off. News flash: That's ok, that's my job!

So, have I tapped into the the modern learner? I'd like to think I have. Now the question is, how do you apply this concept to all subjects. And, is this applicable at all grade levels?

I think the important lesson from gaming is that you do not need to design a video game to get to the modern learner. That is a simplistic approach to the entire issue. I believe teachers need to find ways to teach without teaching.

I have been told, over the years, "you have to entertain your students, like a TV". I disagree. Why, because there are two ways to watch TV: watching and reacting. I don't let my kids just watch, I engage them. I ask them questions about what they are watching: "why did he do that?", "how did you know he was going to do that?", "what is he/she going to do next?". These questions can apply to Telletubbies, Hannah Montana, or the OC. Chances are children will be able to answer the first two, but will continue to watch the shows to answer the 3rd.

My job as a teacher is to connect with my students. I need to speak their language, communicate in a way they will understand.

How do I know I'm successful? When my students think they have learned nothing, but use the skills I have taught them to:
- continue studying French
- continue studying any World Language and use the skills I've taught them to help them
- use grammatical or analytical skills to help them succeed in English
- use skills I've taught them through the games to help them succeed in other subjects

In other words, I will never get credit for what I do, but I am successful nonetheless.

2nd attempt at Sims

I have been thinking about computer games and how children master them. They don't necessarily read through the instructions (although the Sims book I have did look worn), and they don't immediately look for cheats online. For the most part, children ask their friends if they've played it and how they accomplish certain tasks. I see my students and my children doing that all the time. Then the next step is they will play for each other. Win battles or tasks for one another, based on their own experience. I have two Pokemon addicts at home that swap DSs in order to get each other further.

In my defense, I thought it would be ok to persue the same path children do to further my skills in gaming.

OK, I grabbed my daughter and asked her for help. She was a bit rusty and couldn't some stuff but she did help.
I asked her about furniture. She told me what I needed. She told me to start with the kitchen. Ihad a difficult time moving the items around, I needed help with that. she told me to get the basics (fridge, sink, stovetop and counter). I got a table, she said that sims only eat two at a time, so i got a small table.
She told me they needed their comforts in the form of tv and beds. Basically, I filled the house with the essentials. apparently they can't change their clothes if you don't have a dresser.

That done, she tells me to just play the game. And what is that? I soon found it the Sims have two ways to play (free will on or off). Well, free will off is tough! They fall asleep wherever they are if you don't put them to bed. The father was walking around with green smoke (apparently that's because he needed a shower!!! How am I supposed to know that?) and the children are starving. Playing this game is difficult. You have to keep an eye on these little bubbles above their heads to see what they need. It is difficult to keep track of what they need and execute it with the commands that I know.

In retrospect, perhaps I should have started with one Sim. I assumed I was to start with an entire family! Start small!!!!

After I turned "free will" back on, I watched the father go to bed after the sun rose, the sun go to the bathroom and the daughter bring a snack to the living room.

My questions to my daughter: How do I get a job? (read the newspaper), Why can't the children do more than eat snack? (they are too young to make dinner), Why is the mother walking around in her underwear? (you need a dresser for more clothes)

My daughter had a question for me: When is your next class mommy because I think you are going to fail!!! Dr. Dana, I don't actually have to master this game to pass your class, right? (my daughter wants to know!

1st try on Sims 2 Deluxe

Firstly, the CDrom didn't load properly on my laptop. So I had to play on my daughter's computer. Couldn't find the icon. Had to call her, she helped.
Got the program started....got a little nervous because I didn't know what all the icons meant. Figured out hovering works on this game. Yay. I picked a town: Veronaville. Turns out its like Romeo and Juliet. Should have known given the name. The teacher in me thinks, oh, maybe kids will learn something about that story. That's a +.
Then I'm faced with having to create my Sims. I figured out I had to build a Sims family. I have to chose their aspirations and their personalities. ( I don't even know what my aspirations are!!!Glad they do!) Personality is based on astrological signs. Why and how accurate are they? Apparently Leo aren't the cleanest people. I beg to differ!
I also have to pick their turn ons and turn offs from a list. i don't know what "vampirism" is and I'm certainly not comfortable enough to put that as a turn on or off!
Finally, I'm done with my "family". Then I have to give them relationships with each other. Well, I thought that was obvious!!! Guess not. I make it simple, mom, dad, daughter & son.
Ok, done then i see Veronaville. The game tells me I have $20,000. How the heck am I going to house 4 people with that kind of money? I move the mous and am flying through Veronaville. I find a little house for $20,000.
Problem, I can't get my family in the house, they keep talking some crazy language to each other. I see icons on my lower left, I click them. I have NO IDEA what I'm doing.
i call my daughter asking her why my house has only 2 walls and no roof. She says its so I can see inside the house!!!!! Duh! I ask her more questions and she tells me to figure it out!!!!Thanks!
I see that I have $7,000. I can't furnish a house for that. Apparently that's alot of money! I tried to paint a wall. My money goes down. I clicked onthe window and a pop up asks me if I want to sell it. WHAT? Why would I want to do that?
OK, so I've been doing this for 30 minutes, I'm frustrated and i know I'm thinking like an adult and that is what is causing all my problems. I feel the need to get out (can't figure out where I saw the save and escape icon.....finally find it!).
Now, I'm off to read the instructions...I don't think I have ever read instructions for anything! I pride myself on never reading instructions!
Apparently there is a tutorial....Well now I'm at an all time low. I have to read instructions and follow a tutorial. I feel old!

Back from vacation!

Fortunately (or unfortunately for my classwork) we were on winter break last week! The Orlando Marriott was GREAT!! The gameroom was totally lame (my kids agreed!) We ended up at WonderWorks when it rained. There were these two computer stations where you could design your own rollercoaster then go on the ride (3D) you had just designed and a flight simulation (also 3D) then you could go on that ride. Cool as heck!!!! Many other digital fun stuff!!!Time to get to work on Sims...I have alot of catching up to do.
Thanks for the posts everyone!

For anyone interested

For anyone interested, there a phenomenal website with timely info.
The George Lucas Education Foundation (edutopia.org) has cutting edge articles on education with a focus on technology.
The latest article is on gaming in education. http://www.edutopia.org/let-games-begin
You'll have to sign up for the web newletter, at no charge.
It is well worth it!
Laurence

1st class

Bonjour,
I hope to become a teacher that begins to think like her students, challenging them in their world, not the old boring world of education!
Hopefully, by the end of this course I will be have developed "hooks" to motivate all types of students to read and learn.
I am sure that my own children will be thrilled to see me enter in their world of gaming, helping mom play the "easy" games.
Laurence