AET541 - Reflection BLOG 3

Games and simulations can help enhance this training storyboard quite well.  Gaming has been found to stimulate learning and learner engagement.  I had the pleasure of listening to Jane McGonigal at the ASTD TechKnowledge conference and was inspired to find ways to incorporate game theory into learning within my organization.  

The storyboard I created could be updated to create an interactive challenge.  I invision kind of a Mission Impossible/007 vibe.  "Your mission... should you choose to accept it..."  Presenting the concepts and lessons as challenges that they need to prepare to accomplish.  This can promote critical thinking by presenting the learning as game challenges.  

Like McGonigal states in her TED Talks and in her book "Reality is Broken," gamers experience stress in a way that is very positive.  Gamers fail up to 80% of the time.  This teaches them to think and find other ways around the obstacle within the game.  When learners are allowed to fail in a the safety of the gaming environment they think critically and find a way to answer the question or solve the problem.  This means that if data conversion and change can be turned into a game with quests and solutions, learners are more likely to be engaged and retain the information.  

I am not a game designer, so this is a bit of a challenge to figure out the depths and delivery methods that would work in this situation.  However, I know, personally, I am much more engaged when I am asked to find creative ways around a problem or concept.

When I am teaching in classrooms I use Jeopardy and other games to engage the group and cement learning.  Learners always respond enthusiastically when they are challenging each other and working together as a team to win.

I am sold on the concept of employing gaming.  I would love to have the time and knowledge to deliver game based eLearning within my organization.