1. Video Games By Jerin McIntosh In The Classroom

2. Video Games and the “Modern video games teach students to think about complex worlds, where everything interacts with everything else. Those lessons, he said, are particularly valuable in social settings, such as the workplace.”“Modern video games teach students to think about complex worlds, where everything interacts with everything else. Those lessons, he said, are particularly valuable in social settings, such as the workplace.” -James Paul Gee Mind !

3. The SIMS 2  The game The SIMS 2 has much teaching potential in the areas of: - Home Economics -Human Communication

4. Choosing a Character… Students are given the option to:Students are given the option to: Start at Adulthood or infancyStart at Adulthood or infancy Shape style and looksShape style and looks Throughout game, SIM characters:Throughout game, SIM characters: Develop personalities that mirror players decisions and influence.Develop personalities that mirror players decisions and influence. Create memories that affect who you are, your options and your behaviorCreate memories that affect who you are, your options and your behavior. Direct your character through life…

5. Step into your A personally customizable family A Job or Career Development of Relationships A personally decorated home After building your own character you can begin to mold your very own virtual life! Including the following: VirtualLife Virtual Life!

6. Learning as you play: ☼T☼T☼T☼The Importance of Prioritizing ☼F☼F☼F☼Financial Skills ☼C☼C☼C☼Competent Decision-making ☼T☼T☼T☼To Explore Ideas Through Simulated Social Interaction **The SIMS could potentially teach any child:

7. Priorities Priorities… ◊All SIM characters are driven by their needs which must be managed individually by the student. ◊ EXAMPLES of necessary Needs: Food, sleep, urination, energy, and social contact. *Many needs vary depending on the SIM’s stage of development-> i.e. School, Career Learning as you play:

8. The Finances … Students will learn to manage finances in order to fulfill their SIM’s needs.Students will learn to manage finances in order to fulfill their SIM’s needs. Learning as you play: -grocery shopping -home furnishing etc.

9. Decision-Making through Social Interaction: Through social interaction with other SIMS, students can form friendships an relationships which can be affected by experiences.Through social interaction with other SIMS, students can form friendships an relationships which can be affected by experiences. Learning as you play: **These simulations will allow students to explore social ideas such as: loyalty, development of aspirations, and social ethics.

10. REFERENCES http://www.edge-online.com/news/study-games-effective-teaching-tools http://www.futurelab.org.uk/projects/teaching-with-games/games http://www.openeducation.net/2008/09/16/video-games-in-the- classroom-teaching-the-scientific-method-to-digital-natives/http://www.openeducation.net/2008/09/16/video-games-in-the- classroom-teaching-the-scientific-method-to-digital-natives/ http://money.cnn.com/2003/07/09/commentary/game_over/column_ga ming/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2003/07/09/commentary/game_over/column_ga ming/index.htm http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/139503/scribblers_abode_tu rning_the_sims_2.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/article/139503/scribblers_abode_tu rning_the_sims_2.html **ALL iMaGEs Courtesy: Google Images**