Making a Case for Game-Based Learning

The National 4-H Technology Conference offers several 'competitions' for kids interested in computers and technology. In the "Impromptu Presentations" competition, kids pull a topic out of a hat and are given a computer with Internet connection, PowerPoint, and an hour to create a 5 minute presentation.

Today's lab will replicate this experience, building on this week's reading and opinions expressed during discussion.

Each group will take one of the following scenarios and develop a 5 minute presentation that 'makes the case' for game-based learning. Feel free to quote readings, rely information found on web, or put forth your own theories. You might find it appropriate to propose types of game you feel may be appropriate. Your development should be completed and ready to share by 6:30.

S-mart, a huge national retail chain, is seeking training for entry-level workers on 'workplace readiness' issues. They have found that many low-wage entry workers have not had jobs previously, or were unsuccesful at attempts in keeping jobs. They have decided new workers need to be prepped on the importance of showing up to work on time, reporting hours accurately, showing respect for co-workers and customers, and preventing sexual harrassment. Additionally, they want to brief new employees on appropriate uniform use, procedures for filling out necessary tax paperwork, and their sick-leave policy. You have been asked to give them a proposal for a 1 hour video that will be shown to employees on their first day at work. They have not discussed the concept of game play as part of the training, and you don't believe they are familiar with how games could be effective. Your goal is to convince them to replace a 1 hour video, with game-based training. Ultimately, S-mart wants to see employee productivity increase and employee turnaround decrease. Target audience for this training is workers ages 17-2 who do not have a record of succesfull employment elsewhere.
Your middle school district enacted standard's based tests. Your school (98% free-lunch program kids, in economically depressed area, 85% single parent-families, literacy low among parents), scored well below the required scores in math. Schools that do not achieve the required score will lose funding ear marked for extra-curricular activities, sports and the arts until school scores increase. Your principal has asked you to design an afterschool program for voluntary participation of kids. She hopes to prove to the district that the school is serious about improving the scores, thus delaying the funding decrease a year. The school-board is expecting a proposal that addresses the seriousness of the issue, is likely to ensure participation of kids -- and most importantly -- suggests scores can be improved. Your goal is to suggest a games-based learning approach that touts a new approach to reach these kids, but still emphasizes measurable math learning.
The IRS has just passed sweeping legislation that gives a tax credit to single filers who have held a job for at least 6 months of the year while paying their own health insurance. To be eligible, filers must complete their own I-9 forms, and compile a series of important documentation and receipts. Hits to the IRS web page have increased dramatically each of the past 3 years. You have been asked to submit a proposal on creating a web-based instructional guide that will teach filers how to understand if they are eligible, guide them through filling out the proper documentation, and help them assemble the correct receipts. Your contact is expected print material, including a FAQ, searchable database for questions, and PDFs that can be opened and printed with examples of recipts. Your goal is to convince the IRS that a game may be a better way to educate their target audience.


Scope and Objectives	Projects and Assignments	Required Readings and Games	Schedule	Instructor & Participants
Making a Case for Game-Based Learning The National 4-H Technology Conference offers several 'competitions' for kids interested in computers and technology. In the "Impromptu Presentations" competition, kids pull a topic out of a hat and are given a computer with Internet connection, PowerPoint, and an hour to create a 5 minute presentation. Today's lab will replicate this experience, building on this week's reading and opinions expressed during discussion. Each group will take one of the following scenarios and develop a 5 minute presentation that 'makes the case' for game-based learning. Feel free to quote readings, rely information found on web, or put forth your own theories. You might find it appropriate to propose types of game you feel may be appropriate. Your development should be completed and ready to share by 6:30. S-mart, a huge national retail chain, is seeking training for entry-level workers on 'workplace readiness' issues. They have found that many low-wage entry workers have not had jobs previously, or were unsuccesful at attempts in keeping jobs. They have decided new workers need to be prepped on the importance of showing up to work on time, reporting hours accurately, showing respect for co-workers and customers, and preventing sexual harrassment. Additionally, they want to brief new employees on appropriate uniform use, procedures for filling out necessary tax paperwork, and their sick-leave policy. You have been asked to give them a proposal for a 1 hour video that will be shown to employees on their first day at work. They have not discussed the concept of game play as part of the training, and you don't believe they are familiar with how games could be effective. Your goal is to convince them to replace a 1 hour video, with game-based training. Ultimately, S-mart wants to see employee productivity increase and employee turnaround decrease. Target audience for this training is workers ages 17-2 who do not have a record of succesfull employment elsewhere. Your middle school district enacted standard's based tests. Your school (98% free-lunch program kids, in economically depressed area, 85% single parent-families, literacy low among parents), scored well below the required scores in math. Schools that do not achieve the required score will lose funding ear marked for extra-curricular activities, sports and the arts until school scores increase. Your principal has asked you to design an afterschool program for voluntary participation of kids. She hopes to prove to the district that the school is serious about improving the scores, thus delaying the funding decrease a year. The school-board is expecting a proposal that addresses the seriousness of the issue, is likely to ensure participation of kids -- and most importantly -- suggests scores can be improved. Your goal is to suggest a games-based learning approach that touts a new approach to reach these kids, but still emphasizes measurable math learning. The IRS has just passed sweeping legislation that gives a tax credit to single filers who have held a job for at least 6 months of the year while paying their own health insurance. To be eligible, filers must complete their own I-9 forms, and compile a series of important documentation and receipts. Hits to the IRS web page have increased dramatically each of the past 3 years. You have been asked to submit a proposal on creating a web-based instructional guide that will teach filers how to understand if they are eligible, guide them through filling out the proper documentation, and help them assemble the correct receipts. Your contact is expected print material, including a FAQ, searchable database for questions, and PDFs that can be opened and printed with examples of recipts. Your goal is to convince the IRS that a game may be a better way to educate their target audience.