NMSU Learning Games Lab Some Interesting Research Kids play computer games regularly –Ages 2-7 play ~43 minutes/day –Ages 8-12 play ~56 minutes/day –Ages play ~78 minutes/day Most kids play computer games –92% of kids ages 2-17 play video and computer games (Gentile & Walsh, 2002) Low income kids play computer games at home –Game play is their primary reason for using computers (Jackson et al., 2005)

NMSU Learning Games Lab NMSU Learning Games Lab Barbara Chamberlin, Jeanne Gleason,

NMSU Learning Games Lab Learning in Games or Play Content-based Technology skills Learning to learn Working with others Planning and design

NMSU Learning Games Lab Testing space for games we develop Expanding the “fun” into educational games Provide exposure to newest trends Expose gamers to design process, foster interest in related careers, develop analytical skill

NMSU Learning Games Lab NMSU Game Development We’re educational game developers We do regular testing with our games and audiences We’re falling behind

NMSU Learning Games Lab

Research Strategies No “one” set of preferences for kids or for games No “one” set of methodologies for gathering information about game preferences

NMSU Learning Games Lab What do kids do in the Learning Games Lab? Play games Review games Learn game principles Engage in game design

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Lab Think Tanks 1 week sessions 2 week sessions School holiday sessions After school clubs College student game analysis class

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Review Strategies Paper and pencil and forms –UGGGH!

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Review Strategies Blogs –Develop writing and analytical skill –Gives authors an audience –Free on blogger.com –Consultant blog Question of the day –Researcher blog Observation, agenda

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Review Strategies Focus Groups and Interviews –Establish questions ahead of time –Paper printouts as prompts –Group, 2, 3 or 4 at a time

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Review Strategies Game Design Activities –Start specific Design a character Revise an existing game Group work Encourage drawing and storyboards Design a game that teaches ______

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Review Strategies Game Learning Activities –What is a game? –Game types activity –How to make a game that doesn’t stink –Who makes games… look at game credits… what does each person on the team do?

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Review Strategies Video closet –Specific question posted –Good for reflection –Immediate editing good for access

NMSU Learning Games Lab Game Review Strategies Podcasts –Review of games for game developers –Student written and produced –Develops many skills outside of game analysis –Informs ed game developers

NMSU Learning Games Lab PR for Games and Play Game based learning is valid What are the learning goals and objectives? “Games” to kids, “educational software” to adults Exit poll with kids, “What did you do and learn today?” Newsletter home that recaps learning

NMSU Learning Games Lab References Jackson, L. A., Von Eye, A., Biocca, F., Barbatsis, G., Zhao, Y., & Fitgerald, H. E. (2005). How low-income children use the internet at home. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 16(3)(Fall 2005), –Michigan State University conducted a longitudinal study of 140 low-income children and their Internet use at home; participants reported game play as their primary reason for using their computers (Jackson et al., 2005). Gentile, D. A., & Walsh, D. A. (2002). A normative study of family media habits. Applied Developmental Psychology, 23, –American children aged 2-7 play computer games an average of 43 min/day, children aged 8-12 play an average of 56 min/day, and children aged play an average of 78 min/day (Gentile & Walsh, 2002). National Institute on Media and the Family. (2001). Sixth Annual Video and Computer Report Card Retrieved October 19, 2005, from –According to a national survey conducted by the National Institute on Media and the Family, 92% of kids age 2-17 play video and computer games (National Institute on Media and the Family, 2001)