Awesome Video

This is a great video for anyone interested in the power of gaming. There is so much to think about. I would like to do this kind of work!!

Anderson: Game-based Learning Analysis

Initial thoughts and concerns about game-based learning

I can't say I have ever been much of a gamer. I've never owned any game console, nor had one in my home. With all the time I spend on the computer, none of it is spent with gaming. I do teach an introduction to video game design to my 7th grade students. We use Scratch. It is a blast, and I love creating my own games, and watching my students create games.
I really enjoyed the assigned reading this week. I do think that there are ways to engage the current generation that aren't being used fully. We need to tap into their intrinsic motivation. All my students (mostly the boys) ever want to talk about is video games. I am always looking for educational games to point my students toward when they are all caught up in my class. My favorite is Incredibots.
The main concern I have is the amount of time young people spend in front of video games. I think that many of them are losing their childhood to the console. Kids need to get outside, play in the dirt, ride bikes, have physical interactions not just virtual ones. I may sound crazy for saying that, but it's what I feel. I believe in balance in all aspects of life.
I am excited to participate in Second Life. I have heard so much about it and am truly amazed by it. I am really looking forward to learning how to create objects and doing scripting for those objects. I like to do 3D modeling and I like to program. The possibilities of what can be done are endless. I can't wait for class tonight!

About Me

I will be using this blog for my EdTech 532 class. I am very much looking forward to this semester.
I am in my last semester of classes for the MET program. I hope to finish up my portfolio this coming summer. I graduated from BYU in 2007 and currently teach technology education in Fairfax County, Virginia. I am married with 5 children (Miranda 8, Benjamin 6, Alice 5, Bryant 3, and Blair 1). I enjoy teaching middle school students. They constantly make me laugh and don't cause me any serious problems. I enjoy reading, computer programming, finding something good to watch on NetFlix instant play, and listening to podcasts (TWIT in particular). I am not a gamer, so I think I have a lot to learn this semester. This will also be my first experience with Second Life. I have heard a lot about it, but have never really checked it out. I see how much my students are influenced by games, and I want to know how to effectively leverage the impact of games on my students.