By: Martha Schonberger and Karen Dietrich

Experiences with gesture based learning using Xbox Kinect. How it all began… – Microsoft approached us – Suggested using Xbox in Autism classes – Research/data back to Microsoft – Other pilots around the country: Chicago/SF Connections with Henrico and Roanoke

Coming soon to a school near you… Watch for more information coming your way soon! T/TACs have been given Xbox 360s and will be working on a system to share them. Don’t contact the T/TAC yet, they will make the plan available soon. George Mason University will also be conducting research with the Xboxes.

Research on the benefits of Gesture Based Learning Brain Rules by Dr. John Medina Brain Rules The Kinesthetic Classroom Mike Kuczala The Kinesthetic Classroom Game Based Resources LCPS Diigo Account Game Based Resources

Benefits of gesture based learning Shared goal Highly engaging Kinesthetic Totally Fun! Kinect in the classroom Microsoft Site

What is Avatar Kinect? Xbox 360 is the game system Avatar kinect allows the user to create and customize an avatar. The avatar can be used to play games or connect with other avatars via the Internet.

Pilot Program Goals Help students achieve IEP goals Increase collaboration Increase positive behaviors Increase communication/language skills Increase academics

Pilot project parameters 4 schools: Rosa Lee Carter, Loudoun County High School, Harper Park Middle, Stone Hill Middle and Steuart Weller 4 special education teachers with TRT support Assistive Technology Trainers assigned to those schools

Getting Set Up Each school gets Xbox, sets it up on a cart with a TV or connect to the Promethean board. Setting up Microsoft accounts (Hotmail) Setting up Xbox accounts Xbox live Gold memberships to play – Microsoft gave us these 1 year – Other districts share, use one account for all students.

Xbox Kinect tips Here is an article we created with Microsoft that has tips and tricks for beginning users. Xbox Tips Define play space: Stand on mat, stand in box marked with tape on the floor Turn lights on for Kinect sensor to recognize players (facial recognition), but turn lights off to play and see the screen better

Getting started Conduct a group activity to set up and customize the teacher’s avatar. Then have students create their own avatars If you are doing one avatar for the class, create the one avatar together.

Qualitative Results Asking questions Giving and following directions Showing interest in others Students with Autism communicating with one another.

Video Examples

What’s next More student interaction: – Avatar kinect – CBI: meet in person – Group discussion Opportunities for students to engage in gaming for academics Kinect Share: Videos – Monologues (favorite book/movie) – Data collection, Collection of evidence (ASOL) – Transition Videos: Welcome to high school/middle school – Morning announcements – Fundraisers – Book/movie reviews Connect with other school districts doing Avatar Kinect : Henrico and Roanoke

Who wants to play??? Come on up! Let’s customize an avatar Let’s try Avatar Kinect