Session 6 - Simulation Programming and Games

Today was my last 'taught' ICT workshop as next week I will be reflecting on my presentation (very nervous!!)

Today I started by looking at Games that children in Primary Schools would be educational and enjoyable. The first was Kodu..... I found this software difficult to comprehend. However I was informed children in Key Stage 2 would love to and can spend hours on it. Kodu is basically a programming software which allows children to create games (similar to scratch but not as easy to pick up). It is more sophisticated and similar to the types of games children play everyday thus making it appealing. Below is an example of Kodu and one of the world that I created (very poorly).



Children will enjoy creating their own worlds and commanding the characters by keys on a keyboard (although this can require some trail and improvement before it all works the way its wanted to).

Research shows UK learners are some of the unhappiest in Europe, and the least engaged (EDP 4123, 2012). As a result of this schools use gaming software that will keep the children engaged such as Ipods, Wii and tablets. The Wii has a great game which I enjoyed using and found very easy to use this was Dance (Dance to Advance) mats. These can be used as an engaging and active tools for children not only in ICT but in every cross curricular subject. It can also be multifunctional and used in starters, main teaching or plenaries. The next few print screen pictures show an example of how I created a new  activity for a Year 1 Mathematics Stater. To start I decided on what topic to use (5 times tables), then put all the answers in to the bubbles around the center square. Next I clicked on each bubble and inputted a prompt which will show in the middle (the question). The final picture shows the working game......... its as easy as that!!!

 




This software can increase a child's co-ordination skills and hand-eye co-ordination making it very beneficial to child with SEN. It can also be played through the keyboard therefore making it easier for physically able children to also play (differentiation tool). Children can create their own games for children younger or others in the class as children can be very competitive and try to create the best game around. That activity would best suit those in Key Stage 2 or an extension activity for those higher abilities who finish early.

Online Simulation Games

These games are similar to modelling programs as they too allow children the chance to explore different outcomes (tests) in different situations (virtual) which would not be available to them in the classroom. Adults also use simulations in their everyday jobs these consist of architects, scientists and pilots as all these careers need training and skill enhancement which can be only be found through simulation software. Children can learn these skills as schools are starting to introduce simulation games to help with predictions, identifying patterns.

Some websites that provide free educational simulation games are:







I focused on Kent ICT and investigated the game called Roller coaster Designer. This involves children creating their own roller coasters but using the theory of forces to help them in the design (cross-curricular link to Science). They can then press play and watch the carriage move across the rails and attempt to reach the other side. This is also another type of modelling as the children are trying to solve problems with the use of virtual assistance. See print screen below:

In my opinion the use of any gaming device be it a computer game, Wii, Xbox or Ipad can be very beneficial in any lesson. It provides children with the chance of completing challenges in more adventurous aspects as well as giving them the chance to access resources that may not be available at home. With the way technology is changing it hard enough being an adult trying to keep up, let alone being an adult trying to stop children getting involved in it all. In my experience I have found children will usually know more about different software packages than myself..... so why not learn from those who are the experts! 

Another type of online simulation involved creating a Voki. This is a speaking Avatar which children can personally make and customise (clothing, facial appearance, background etc). These avatars allow children to use a persona that isn't themselves. This can be used to a teachers advantage as some children who are quiet and will not usually speak aloud can find confidence in speaking through their avatar. They can be used to tell stories, give instructions such as morning activities when children arrive in school or starters/ plenaries. I have included an example of my Voki below:  

(At the moment I am having trouble uploading my animated Voki so please view the link below and it will direct you to a link with the animated one on)

                                                                              ******voki*****


M - Learning - So what is it??
As we know E-Learning means electronic online learning so M - Learning must be something similar and it is!! M-Learning is mobile learning therefore learning though hand held devises such as ipods, ipads, mobile phones. Children are using these devises in schools as they allow them to record what they say or hear using cameras/ video recorders/ games consoles or GPS devises (Jesson & Peacock, 2011). This way of learning can be incorporated in any lesson as children can use the devices to record or keep track of experiments in science, or create presentations in English.

One software children can use through M-Learning is Wordle. This website generates 'word clouds' from text typed in. You can tweak the clouds with different fonts, layouts and colours. These can be used by the teacher to create displays, covers for the front of books, mind mapping, or WOW words from a story/poem/countries etc. Below is an example of words that relate to me:

Wordle

Thats all for now so until next week.... BYE x

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