Game Based Learning .:: Video Games, Social Media & Learning ::.

We are in beta stages of our online multiuser role-play platform. "The Training Room" offers an environment where trainers can define there own on-line role playing scenarios (although sample scenarios are available) and provide the opportunity for learners to apply factual knowledge and to gain experience through the digital world. Trainers can define new games or adopt and modify sample games without any programming skills.  The platform provides a variety of communication means within the scenarios; players can communicate with the use of discussion forums, text and voice chat modules as well as through multi-user video conferencing. An important feature of this product is the collaborative learning design, which allows participants to exchange information as well as to produce ideas, simplify problems, and resolve the tasks. In this product, the teacher is the active partner, moderator and advisor of the educational process.

The teacher or instructor defines the overall game theme, creates a new scenario or adds to an existing one, defines the teams, and enrolls the players. Playing time can fluctuate from several days to several weeks or longer and depends from the difficulty of the theme and basic skills of the students. Game flow and various stages of the game are presented to the players, where they can embellish their roles if they choose to do so. In the game, basic stages can be distinguished as follows: role assignment, teamwork and team preparation time, general discussion, consensus voting, student feedback, and discussion of the game in the debriefing room.  All rooms are presented in the form of a multi-user Flash based system.

The platform includes a multiuser whiteboard, a multimedia forum, chat, podcasts, video conferencing, and document/multimedia repository, all in a multiuser flash client/server platform. No downloadable software is required apart from Adobe Flash.

The concept was originally based on the successful Unigame concept and has developed from there. We are now looking for institutions to trial the product or eventual partners in this venture. The product is part of the suite of educational collaborative games we will be offering in the game design campus. We have just completed single player role play games and these are in trial now.

Any institutions interested should contact me for further information.
Regards
Paul Pivec
www.paulpivec.com
www.gamedesigncampus.com

It is very exciting to realize where learning is going.
 
Math games for example not only support mental arithmetic but also help kids to enjoy practicing quadratic equations and trigonometry.  I’m sure we all have experienced the difference when it comes to learning while you are enjoying yourself vs. trying to learn in a non captivating environment!
 
There is a new site that just launched called http://www.mangahigh.com/which has developed the most sophisticated math games yet seen on the Internet, and both students and teachers are likely to enjoy playing Pyramid Panic (geometry) and Flower Power (fractions ordering).  This site is even endorsed by well-known UK mathematician Marcus du Sautoy.
 
The challenge for educators has been to find games that teach academic concepts in an entertaining way.  Mangahigh.com looks to have been successful in balancing these two imperatives.
 
I can see that students would enjoy playing these types of games in class or as homework.  Perhaps some of them might even play of their own accord?
 
Young people spend sooo much time online, yet it will be great if they can spend that time playing games that are really enhancing their math or other key subjects

www.MangaHigh.com
http://twitter.com/mangahigh