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

TeachMeet North East London 08 Event

FutureLab has posted up another Education & Technology event:

“19 May 2008
Redbridge Teachers Centre, Ilford

TeachMeet NorthEast London is a chance for education stakeholders to share effective, exciting and innovative uses technology in schools in an informal environment. If you come for the evening, then you can either present, or just listen to inspiring presentations on ICT in schools. People attending previous TeachMeets before have found them to be inspirational and a great form of CPD.”

According to the TeachMeet site you can also join the event via Flashmeeting and there is a Facebook page too.

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.

Reaching Out With Your Conference

Dave Warlick provides advice for organising social networking for conferences:

“I would love to see more education technology conferences adopt this sort of out-reach. Conferences have never been an integral part of the job for most classroom teachers — and with budget cuts already starting to snip their way across the fabric of our education institutions, fewer educators will likely be packing up and driving or flying to the city convention hotel for three days of shared learning and energy-generating friction.

It’s all the more reason why education conferences need to shine more, to radiate ideas rather than rattle them in a box.”

Author: Dave Warlick, 2cent Worth Blog, 20th April 2008

Full article available here.

Dave McDivitt on using InQuizitor in School

“I heard quotes like, “this game is awesome even though I don’t know the answers.” But what continued to happen is that student after student kept taking the quiz over and over again. Which obviously exposes them to material again and again.”

Author: Dave McDivitt, 18th 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.

Students & Teachers Challenged To Define Role of Technology in Education

“Ed tech developer eInstruction this week launched its new Content Meets Technology contest, which challenges educators and students to share their “vision of the role of technology in education.” Winners of the competition will receive an interactive classroom makeover.

Those wishing to enter must submit their thoughts on the role of technology in education using no more than 250 characters–that’s characters, not words. Entries will be posted on a Google Map mashup on eInstruction’s Web site.”

Author: Dave Nagel, T.H.E. Journal, April 2008

Full article available here.

Digital Vaults: National Archive Social networking for primary sources

Glenn Wiebe and Dave Warlick have both recently posted on Digital Vaults, a new website by the US National Archive that brings elements of social networking to primary history and social science resources.

Digital Vaults is an interesting concept and one I think works well with it’s logical tag organisational structure. The digitisation of sources and Web2.0 twist makes the wealth of knowledge highly accessible and even allows the user to create their own collections.

Read Glenn Wiebe’s post and Dave Warlick’s post for more information.

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.

‘Hybrid’ courses show promise

One educator demonstrates that blending face-to-face and online instruction can lead to better student grades and understanding.

“Hybrid courses,” or courses that deliver part of their instruction in a traditional lecture manner and part in an online environment, are becoming increasingly popular among schools and colleges. Proponents of the concept say it capitalizes on the benefits that both face-to-face and online learning can provide—and now, there is some evidence to suggest that hybrid courses can help students learn more effectively.

Brian McFarlin, a professor at the University of Houston’s Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, decided to conduct an experiment in one of his classes to observe the strengths and weaknesses of hybrid courses.

Author: Meris Stansbury, Assistant Editor, eSchool News, 3rd April 2008

Full article available here.