Web 2.0 Tech Tool – Simulation Games By: Derek Pressell

Definition -Simulation – Imitation or enactment, as of something anticipated or in testing. -Game – A competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.

Definition (cont) … -Simulation games are created games that facilitate an imitation of the real world for entertainment purposes. -Simulation games in the educational field can be used to teach content and training in a simulated world close to reality.

Features -Sim games can benefit education by bringing students closer to the realities of certain time periods, perspectives, and real world problem solving. -Students can learn from Sims in numerous areas of life such as K-12, higher ed, business, and government.

Educational Benefits Reference Link – Richard DukesRichard Dukes 1. They increase student motivation. 2. They facilitate the affective aspect of learning. 3. They enhance interpersonal relations and promote interpersonal reward structures for learning. 4. They do at least as well as conventional techniques in achieving cognitive outcomes. 5. They tend to produce improved communication and discussion within the classroom. 6. They tend to produce a more integrated view of the broader context within which sociological concepts fall. 7. They promote individual discovery in learning from the learner's own perspective.

Kolb ’ s Experiential Learning Cycle (Click on image for hyperlink)

Blooms Taxonomy (click image for hyperlink)

Examples of Sim Games -From a World History perspective a simulation game is Civilization V.Civilization V -Purpose is to take a historical civilization (18 to choose from) and create the best civilization through the space age by using diplomacy, war, and world power. -Each civilization is ruled by a famous ruler in the past.

Example #2 -The second World History sim game is Axis & Allies.Axis & Allies -The purpose of this game is to teach World War II content. Sides of the war, geographical locations of major strongholds, and military equipment used during the war. -Players must use military tactics, economic decisions, technological advances, and chance to win the war.

Simulators -Simulators are a major use for training purposes. Commercial, military, and personal usage. -Saves money while gaining experience for trouble shooting and problem solving skills. -Aviation Simulator Video (51 seconds)Aviation Simulator Video

Social Networking -A major aspect of the Internet, and real life, is social networking. -A major simulation game for social networking is World of Warcraft. “WoW isn’t a game, it’s a lifestyle” – Derek Pressell -Teaches leadership, group dynamics, relationships, and ramifications for failure individually, as well as a group. -Famous video of Leeeeroy Jenkins! (2:51 minutes, 20 million views) EXPLICIT language in video.Famous video of Leeeeroy Jenkins!

Mashups -Sim gaming Mashup of numerous 2.0 tech tools including: a. Blogs b. Virtual Communities c. Mobile Learning d. Online Video e. Online tutorials f. Photo Sharing g. Social Networking

Challenges and Drawbacks -Students may not like gaming and won’t relate. -School districts, educators, and students may not want to pay for these games. -Games could be restricted and not accepted even if paid for. -Parents could disapprove. -Simulation games will never represent real life. -Major time consumption. -Might not align with state standards.