" I'm Talking With The Man In The Mirror "

Summarising all that I have learned has been a learning experience in itself. I have been looking at tying up the loose ends of my Facilitating Online Discussions paper from the second semester of 2007.

The first step is to post my facilitation plan from my DGBL session:

Reason for the meeting

To introduce the concept of game based learning for students using the online game Travian as a demonstration of the potential.

Medium used

Electronic medium selected: Elluminate

Reason(s) for selecting this medium:In order to get as many members of the class to be able to participate and have a synchronous lesson. The ability to share the prepared slides and also my browser for in game showcase is another strength.

Description of the group

Class description / persona: Participants in the Facilitating Online Communities second semester paper I am taking. The group is experienced with Elluminate (part of the reason for my choice as my medium) so they are already prepared with the necessary software and hardware.

Topic/concept to be discussed: Game based learning (as an alternative to Secondlife).

Expected result(s): To show that there is a place in education (especially secondary school) for games based learning, and that these games can have some significant learning opportunities for both staff and students alike. To point out that many students are no longer engaging in the learning process in school yet their engagement in games does not drop by comparison.

Which of these stages best describes the group?

o Information exchange

o Knowledge construction

Facilitation Plan

Rationale: Having experienced Second life as part of the group I went looking for something I felt would be much better suited to my target audience (secondary students) and Leigh Blackall (one of my course facilitators) put me on to Marc Prensky’s work. I attempted to arrange my 10 min lecture to have Marc as my guest speaker but was unsuccessful (after I had got my hopes up with a positive first email exchange). During earlier discussions talked a little about the lack of engagement that you sometimes get at the secondary level that is often contrary to the adult students my fellow students work with. To set the stage posted my online addiction to my blog, and posted to the email group two links to work by Marc relating to DGBL.

Introduction: Give a basic overview of the ideas behind game based learning – how student engagement is significantly greater towards the technology rich learning media like games, video, even general browsing of the internet and less towards traditional learning media like teachers (face to face) and books. Introduce the game Travian and the basic scenario of how the game is played. Talk about components that make up the resource based game and see if any have looked into the game (David has) or any of the similar types of software like Warcraft/Starcraft. Talk about the added element of the online community that forms with alliance and other players.

The Content: Attempt to relate the idea of game based learning to learning areas in school as per PowerPoint. Put out the idea of how games could meet learning objectives while still meeting kids entertainment needs. Show how a free browser-type game can have educational merit without being time intensive. Give a quick tour of Travian without getting too carried away with the game itself and focus more on the possibilities of game based learning.

Closing: Talk about how teaching has changed over the years and the difference in learning requirements and the need for entertainment. How do we adapt teaching and learning programs to allow for the students who have the option now to ‘change the channel’ and go elsewhere for knowledge? Acknowledge the importance of communities in the learning process not only as a learning aid but potential motivator / enjoyment creator.

See what questions and comments come and facilitate any discussion that might evolve either verbally or the text window.

So there it is. My next post will be my review of how it went, and a summary of the year as I reflect on the course.