Posts tagged ‘Development’
Development Project – OceanQuest
I have not been posting on G&L for some time now and this is because I have been working on a research and development project. OceanQuest is a mini piece of game-based learning focused on creating engaging learning from relatively dry learning content. OceanQuest targets bearings in Key Stage 3 Mathematics, Ma3 (shape, space and measures). The game includes three different missions with varied tasks involving target practice, navigating between objects, giving bearings of objects, clearing sea mines and delivering supplies to islands. Below are screenshots of the missions:
I have compiled a 2 page teachers’ information pdf which contains more detail on learning objectives and the game itself. If you would like a copy please contact me. The game is password protected so please email me or comment on this post if you would like to play the game. The only requirement for the game is Flash Player 9. I have finished the first stage of development and am looking for constructive feedback or evaluations from people who work in related industries. If you are a teacher/other educator/developer or have experience with elearning and game-based learning, any feedback on the game will be very much appreciated. Educators, feel free to have students (KS3) play the game as feedback from the target audience will be extremely beneficial to the project.
I have had only positive feedback so far with people commenting on how fun and engaging it is and also on the potential they see in using the game with their students.
My email address: alex@gamingandlearning.co.uk
Meet the Sims
“The students were in a UW classroom laboratory using life-size — and fairly lifelike — computerized simulators, the latest technology trend used by universities to train students about real-world emergencies before setting foot in a hospital room.
The human patient simulators — SimMan, SimBaby and Noelle, a pregnant simulator for labor and delivery — each cost about $30,000. They can talk, breathe and can be programmed to simulate a host of illnesses, disorders or symptoms (or genders, for that matter — Mrs. Jones was actually SimMan), and can change symptoms in real time in reaction to a student’s interaction with them. ”
Author: Cherie Black, Seattlepi.com, 12th April 2008
Full article available here.
Digital Dissection
Digital dissection software to replace physical dissection in science classes:
“There is also a new technology called “digital dissection”. There are various computer dissection programs such as Drylab Dissections and Catworks that take students through an actual dissection using realistic graphics, as well as a full-motion video. Programs exist for many commonly used dissection specimens, including frogs, rats, earthworms, fetal pigs, and even cats.
Other programs, such as Digital Frog 2 and Visifrog, use high-quality computer animation to simulate an actual animal dissection. Animal rights organizations such as the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) applaud this new technology and have started free-of-charge loan programs through which schools can try out software.”
Author: Heather Clark, 11th April 2008
Full article available here.
Pupil engagement in BSF – Flux looking for ideas
FutureLab’s blog, Flux, has recently posted an article asking for ideas from people in the learning technology field about tools for engaging students and encouraging different ways of thinking:
“We’re in the process of doing some background research on tools that are being, or could be, used to support pupil involvement in the BSF/PCP design processes. We’re interested in the levels of engagement that different tools and approaches can facilitate.
Do any of you out there have any examples of tools, resources or techniques you’d mind sharing with us? For example, there are the beginnings of people using second life to allow children to design their learning spaces; thinking of other learning spaces – theme-ing and brainstorming workshop activities; Futurelab’s Power League, new school league tool and so forth.”
Author: Tim Rudd, Flux Blog, 18th April 2008
BSF – Building Schools for the Future project
For more information on this see the full article here.
iWalkthrough™ – Great Schools Partnership
The Great Schools Partnership have developed the iWalkthrough™ tool for use in schools to observe teaching and acquire data for feedback:
“The tool allows administrators or other instructional leaders to make a five to ten minute classroom visit yet dial in on the instruction they witness. During the training process, observers are encouraged to observe in the room then record after they leave so as not to be a distraction to the students or the teacher.
To be effective, the Walk through concept must be done frequently, with observers visiting the classrooms multiple times. Because the device is convenient to carry and the process so time effective, administrators and teacher leaders can do a number of such visits to several different classrooms in the time it would have taken to do one such formal observation previously.
But it is later, after the data has been collected from a multitude of such visits and collapsed by the software that the device shines. The iWalkthrough can generate customized reports that easily sort, compare, and visually display a wealth of data.”
Author: Tom Hanson, OpenEducation Blog, 16th April 2008
Full article available here.
More Events Posted By FutureLab – b.TWEEN & mLearn 2008
b.TWEEN
18-20 June 2008
Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester
“b.TWEEN08 features a huge host of industry experts from advertising, creative technology, film, games, mobile, TV and web. Nowhere else will you find such a diverse mix of ideas-rich indies and ideas-hungry big industry players meeting on a level playing field to explore and exploit the creative and commercial potential of digital technologies.”
See post here.
mLearn 2008
7-10 October 2008
Ironbridge, Shropshire
“mLearn was the first conference on mobile learning and is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious international conferences in the field. The aims of the conference are to bring together the world’s leading mobile learning researchers, developers and activists in an environment that will stimulate dramatically increased deployment of mobile learning and catalyse dramatically enhanced innovation.”
See post here.
Talk is cheap – FutureLab Power League
Free educational tool launched to support debate on any topic
Futurelab has launched Power League, a free online resource for schools which supports pupils of all ages to explore, debate and discuss any topic in a fun and easy way. Power League, available at www.powerleague.org.uk, enables the user to rank and display group opinions on any issue across the entire curriculum.
Author: FutureLab, 9th April 2008
Full article available here.
Intel unveils new Classmate PCs
New low-cost laptops, now targeted to U.S. schools as well, have larger screens and more storage
Intel’s new Classmate PCs–slated to go on sale this month for between $300 and $500–reflect the company’s growing efforts to sell computers equipped with its own chips to schools in developing countries, a battleground for technology companies because of the millions of people there just coming online.
But the target market for these low-cost laptops has expanded to include kids in the United States, too, as potential users of cheaper, stripped-down machines.
Author: eSchool News staff and wire service reports, 3rd April 2008
Full article available here.
Virtual Voices – Event in Bristol
Futurelab is running a workshop on Create-A-Scape at this event, which is organised by South West Screen
10 July 2008
Watershed, Bristol
How can we develop young people’s voices so they become the content creators and storytellers of the future? Virtual Voices brings the media industry together with young media makers and their teachers or tutors to attempt to answer this question and many others…
What will it be like?
The event will include inspiring speakers, involving workshops (including one on Create-A-Scape run by Futurelab) and hands-on activities. See www.swscreen.co.uk/virtualvoices for more information as the programme is finalised, or sign up to the Virtual Voices e-mailing list by e-mailing virtual.voices@swscreen.co.uk.
Author: FutureLab, 7th April 2008
Full post and more information available here.
Gaming & Learning 