"Educational video games have been plagued with a restrictive, drill and practice history, making educators question the relevancy and purpose of educational video games. This behavioristic approach to gaming continues to be found in many educational video games. In fact the App Store is filled with thousands of literacy and math apps that are defined by a drill and practice application. However, a new paradigm of video games has immerged over the past decade, facilitating a more constructive approach to gaming. Video game design programs such a Kodu and Scratch offer gamers the ability to construct a game with relative each.
This presentation will begin to explore the pedagogical and curricular potential of video game design programs. Two junior high case studies will be discussed, in regards to how the teacher designed and implemented the video game construction project and how the students responded. Participants will walk away with a variety of video game projects as well as all lessons and resources utilized with staff and students during the video game creation journey.
This presentation is relevant for educators, consultants and school leaders as it shifts the traditional perception of educational video games into a learning experience that is well aligned with the needs of 21st century learners. "
