Educational Video Games for the iPad

Educational Video Games for the iPad

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          As technology develops, so do the uses that go along with it. This technology was integrated into educational systems to enhance learning. Now, many students are receiving iPads for educational use. However, one does not necessarily need the iPad to be distributed at school to use it for educational purposes. Many apps and games have been released for the iPad, and many of these are education-based.

          One type of education-based game is direct. This is the kind of game that teaches english, math, science, or some other topic through a straightforward, graphic lesson. I saw my 6-year-old cousin playing some of these on her iPad. It was basically just a group of interactive activities that taught various science subjects such as the water cycle, float v. sink, and plants. However, I don't feel she was actually learning anything since she just memorized how to get through all the activities without even listening to the directions. And she thought it was boring because of this. I would recommend having an adult play with the child, so that the kid might actually learn something. There is a large number of games of this sort to download, and are especially helpful for young kids.

          The other type of education-based game is a lot more popular with a larger audience. These would be puzzle games such as Unblock Me, Flow, and Four Pics One Word. They help improve critical thinking skills while still providing a challenging form of entertainment. However, because they do not teach a specific topic and are thus viewed as entertainment-only, these games are not as suitable to integrate into education systems as the first type.

          Many iPad games (or apps) are a good supplement to school education. Others may also improve a person's puzzle-solving skills. Also, they are not a hindrance to society in any way. This makes video games a great platform for learning.

Mission Statement and Group Roles

Mission Statement and Group Roles

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This blog will be the place where we submit our research of children's learning techniques and how to make entertaining games academically beneficial towards their development.

Group Roles:
Ryan- Designing any physical games, Researching current educational games
Victoria- Researching effective learning techniques,creating game prototypes
Jordan- creating game topics, proofreading/editing games
Lindsey- Making games more appealing and kid friendly

Educational Video Games

Educational Video Games

Posted by Unknown

          In recent years, various different methods of teaching children have been tested to try to depose of the traditional lecture method of teaching. One method evolved from the diffusion of computers. This was to use video games to educate children. As crazy as it sounds, it actually makes sense. Video games are visually pleasing and interactive, and can fully involve kids in their game. This makes it a more interesting medium for kids to learn from. Also, video games improve visual-spatial thinking skills and critical thinking skills. Overall, video games can be used to enhance the learning of a child.

Changes This Semester

Changes This Semester

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          I decided to stop with my story because I don't feel confident that it will be successful. As of yet, I have no idea as to what I will be doing in place of the old project. It will probably, but not necessarily, not be fictional because I have no creativity.

Love and Hate Program

Love and Hate Program

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//Program in C++ that would open a window with the text "Love and Hate"

#include <iostream>

using namespace std; //standard namespace

int main() //main function
{
          cout << "Love and Hate"; //sends text

          return 0;
}

P. S. There's no Chapter 3 because I decided to start over with a completely new idea, so while we figure out what we're doing, this is an example of my individual research.

Goals for Future

Goals for Future

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• New post by January
• I might start over
• Continue project

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

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          When I got home, I was mad. I didn't understand how the world worked, and I wanted to know. I was so furious that I couldn't think straight.

          I decided to let out some steam by playing some Call of Duty. This was the go-to activity for me whenever I was angry, bored, or just felt like playing. I was able to lose myself in the game. My emotions were always reflected in the game. It was pure excitement that sold it for me.

          I realized I hadn't done my homework yet. It was a friday, so I continued to play. Not a good idea, I know, but I usually procrastinated on weekends. That's the way I am.

Video Games--Love and Hate

Video Games--Love and Hate

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          In movies, there is often a relationship that goes on between the protagonist and someone else. However, this is not always true for video games. In games where a moderate amount of skill is needed to beat the game, there isn't really room for any more conflict. For example, imagine playing a Call of Duty campaign and having an affair with someone. In the MW3 campaign, there isn't a single woman in the whole story besides the Russian president's daughter. However, there is going to be a girl in the Black Ops 2 Zombies campaign, but still no relationship. An example of a video game where there is a relationship is Heavy Rain, but the game dosn't really take that much skill. It is rather an interactive story with multiple possible outcomes. My point is, there isn't really as much need for love in video games as there is in movies.

          In video games and movies, "hate" isn't written into the story, but is actually created by the audience. For example, if there is a really mean antagonist in a movie, the audience might feel hate for that person. Especially in puzzle games, hate can be made in the player by making the game really hard. In multiplayers, hate is called "rage" and is directed at players that are either really good or deliberately make others rage (trolling).

          Of course, there is a huge difference between love and hate in electronic media because they are not exactly opposites. I think that they are both not essential to video games, but can be used to make it more interesting at times.

1st Analysis of Group Productivity

1st Analysis of Group Productivity

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          I feel like we are on the right track with our project, even though we had a late start. We could have worked a little better as a group in terms of communicating; sometimes we were all just doing our own thing. I think that everyone has a good idea of what they're writing about and the theme they're going to present. Currently, there aren't really any bad problems to fix.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

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          "Uh... sorry, but no."
          That sucked. Of course, I never expected that she would say yes, but I was hopeful.

          The next week was homecoming. I felt expected to get a date for it, but I really didn't think I could. I wasn't ready for this. What class is there to prepare a student for the most stressful time of high school?

          The bell rang and I made my way to the door. Sometimes, I realized, life is pretty fucked up. Then again, my life wasn't too bad. I got good grades and had plenty of free time, so I guess I couldn't complain. But life is full of wants. And when someone doesn't get what they want, sometimes bad things happen. This wasn't and is never the case for me. I have always known how to control myself. Everyone does. That's just the way things are.

P.S.

  My individual topic is video games--check it out at http://rjhvideogames.blogspot.com

          Of course, we are planning on incorporating each of our individual topics in the group blog, so I'm planning to either program a video or an interactive video game later in the year, once I feel comfortable doing that. Until then, I'll be writing regularly.