Sploder Embedded

I had a great time putting together my Sploder game. Having the ability to add this game to my blog with code is a great skill-set that all teachers should possess. I am thankful to the EDTECH program in providing so many opportunities to use this and many other skills. Enjoy:)

Make a Free Flash Game

Story-Toy-Puzzle-(Game)

The main storyline of my game, Earth Hero, is forming. I have put together slides of what I have so far. I would really appreciate feedback.

Here are a few points to keep in mind while viewing the presentation. The game is:

• Geared towards our young learners (5-7 years)
• Promoting a healthy planet
• Supporting both the behaviorist and constructivist learning theories

I would appreciate any feedback on the overall story, the elements, as well as further ideas for each. Also, tell me what you think about the learning theory combo I used with this project. Elements of both behaviorism and constructivism were chosen. All feedback is greatly appreciated.

Link to Presentation

Story-Toy-(Puzzle)-Game

Kindergarten learners love puzzles! I know this is not specific to kindergarten, as many people love solving puzzles. It is a part of human nature. The ability to work through a task that takes time and effort can be a very rewarding experience.

When creating puzzles for my Earth Hero game, I wanted to include a traditional jigsaw format. Kindergarten learners are still beginning to recognize shapes and understand how things fit together. I would include several jigsaw puzzles in the game to promote shape and visual fluency. These would all fit into the save the Earth theme.

I would also include some more challenging puzzles to promote a bit of problem solving and even integrate math skills. Sudoku puzzles are new to many kindergarten learners. I would utilize several different puzzles utilizing the save the Earth theme.

These puzzles would be a fun yet also challenging part of the Earth Hero game. I know that I could introduce these puzzles to my learners now and they would have a blast!

Story-(Toy)-Puzzle-Game

The game I am developing is called Earth Hero. In short, kindergarten learners will complete a variety of Earth quests to help save the planet. There will be points awarded based on quests completed and levels to progress through.

While developing further, I am considering ideas for toys within the game. I want this to be something fun for the children, but also something with an underlying message being my game is educational in its' purpose.

The first toy (Earth Painter) allows students to click on various forms of pollution and or means to fix the pollution. Above you see Earth with symbols for recycling, biking, oil, exhaust, and garbage. When clicked, the Earth changes. The blue water or green land may turn shades of brown, the entire planet may become clouded over with smoke, or the water may turn black with pollution. More or less clicks on the icons will change the Earth for better or for worse. 

The second toy idea is called Trash Collector. The learner can use various means of trash collecting to clean up a scene and then dispose of the materials safely. This can be educational and yet still just a fun break for the learner. I can see many kids driving the dump truck around the scene for quite some time.

I feel these are fun yet educational toys that my learners would enjoy within a game. This will add an element of 'rest' from the quests we would be completing as well as a little bit of fun.

Mash-up Learning Theory: Constructive Behaviorism

Learning theories present many different thoughts and practices we use as educators today. How do we know which theory best fits the needs of the learner? Which learning theory will create the most effective educator? Well, as the old sayings go:

• There is more than one way to skin a cat. 
• Many solutions makes for fewer problems. 
• Things are not always black or white. 

These old sayings center around the thought that there is often more than one solution. I know that I have my 'favorite' learning theory and that I practice in the classroom with that theory in mind. However, there are elements of many learning theories that I use, sometimes without thought, each day. As an educator, I will arm myself with any research or theory I can to meet the needs of the learner.

As a strong supporter of constructivism, it is sometimes difficult for me to branch into the behaviorist theory. These can sometimes appear to me as the quintessential yin and yang. Sure, I understand that many children watch their parents and teachers and learn behaviors as they grow. I always just thought that the debate going on in the child's brain as to whether or not they will act out the observed behavior was more relevant than the observation in itself.

Constructivism supports the theory that knowledge is constructed in our minds with the combined information of the new experience and prior experiences. Behaviorism supports the repeated practice of behaviors to reach the desired outcome. The debate as to where learning occurs contains two very different theories on opposing sides.

So, to challenge myself, I have combined the constructivist and behaviorist learning theories. I must admit, this was very difficult for me to do; there is a reason this quest has taken so long to write and to publish. I had to really stretch the way I think to make this work!

For the sake of this assignment, let's call this theory, 'Constructive Behaviorism'. This theory consists of three different processes that combine for optimal learning.

The learner begins by observing the desirable behavior. Maybe they are watching a video about children who work together politely and cooperatively. The second step would require the learner to imitate the desired behavior; being polite and working cooperatively. Third, the learner would reflect on their observation, the imitated behavior, and their experiences with the behavior over all. 

This mash-up theory may be labeled as many things: interesting, idiotic, crazy, possible, with many holes, etc. I am okay with that, as this activity has actually forced me to look more into behaviorism, a theory I had dismissed long ago.

My (Story) - Toy - Puzzle - Game

Gaming in the classroom promotes enthusiasm as well as drive. My young learners become engaged as soon as 'game' is mentioned, regardless of their own backgrounds or experiences. This age-group loves to have fun while learning. Who doesn't?

While putting together an idea for a new gaming storyline, I decided to include a problem and goal for the game that is related to the real-world. I also wanted the learners to be able to relate the game and the problems they would be trying to solve. Most of all, I want this game to help the learner grow and learn in relation to the goals of the game.

One topic that is always of great interest and importance in the kindergarten classroom is the care of our planet. It is also an area of great concern as our population grows. My initial thoughts for a game are as follows:

Name: I am still considering options...The Great Earth Crusaders, The Protectors of Planet Earth, etc (The heroes theme is VERY effective with our young learners). Please share your ideas!

• Kindergarten players will be on a mission to save planet Earth
• Obstacles may include pollution (air and water), polluters, DE-forestation, non-recyclable product packaging, irresponsible consumers, etc
• Solutions for points: players present alternatives and solutions to the obstacles, which may include blog posts, commercials, signs, an action plan, etc
• The solutions that require more time will be worth more points
• Each solution will include a rubric for points
• Achievement will earn the players a new rank/badge (I'm a kindergarten teacher, you know I will be making some awesome badges).
• All can succeed; some faster than others and they may finish at a higher rank. However, it is important in k that all feel accomplished.

This game is obviously in the beginning stages. Please share any and all thoughts:)

ARG: Heard About It, Never Tried It

I have not been a participant in an ARG (Alternative Reality Game) or a a MMORPG (Massively multiplayer online role-playing game) prior to enrolling in the EDTECH program. You could say that my gaming experiences have been quite limited, especially in the online area.

I enrolled in this course to broaden my knowledge and see what elements of the gaming world could be of use to my young learners. I already know that they love gaming, but more background and information could only help me at this point.

While learning more about ARGs and MMORPGs, I realized that the world is much more vast than I originally thought. The entire background of the world of Tron was interesting to watch, as all I had done was watched the movie! It is amazing to see all of the hype that has gone on without you even realizing.

I can see why these gaming experiences are so enticing and even addicting. They completely involve the gamer in their world. You feel like you are not only a participant, but a part of something bigger than yourself. The gamer becomes part of a team that seeks goals and accomplishments. There is a great feeling that occurs when you reach common goals with others. Even for introverts like myself.

So, not having been a part of this experience, I feel it is time to give it a try. I will start with experiences my whole family can share with me. After all, they know much more than I do when it comes to ARGs!