KSP684 - What is A Game Podcast

The Podcast "Game & Learn: An Introduction to Educational Gaming" provides a ton of fantastic information about how gaming can be used in the classroom. Dr. Ruben Puentedura maps what makes a good game with the concepts used to develop effective lesson plan. The connection between gaming and education is evident.

Puentedura says in order to understand the connection it is necessary to understand what "play" is.

1. What is Play: free movement within a more rigid structure.
1. ZPD - Gap between what a child can accomplish on their own (Zone of Current Development ZCD) and what they can accomplish with help of a “More Knowledgeable Other” (MKO).
2. Play doesn’t require the MKO.  Child behaves beyond their ZCD while playing - is taller, is older...

Once you understand what "play" is you can begin to understand what a "game" is.

1. What is a game:
1. Formal Definition: A games is a system where players can engage in an artificial conflict, defined by rules, that results in a quantifiable outcome.
1. Content areas are also defined by rules
2. Assessment is the quantifiable outcome in education
3. Artificial conflict - harnessing the competitive nature of the student usefully and productively; constructive not destructive. Conflict doesn’t need to be among the players - it can be between the players. Can be cooperative within the game.
2. Relationship between Video game Play and General Play
1. Being Playful
2. Ludic activities
3. Game Play
4. Video Games