Game-based Learning - Choosing a Game

This week I was asked to find a game on my PC or hand held device. I found a great resource that I can use with my students. Although there were many options available to me, I chose one that my students would find valuable.


          I chose a game I found through my Droid. It is called Math Maniac. This game fits
21st century learning with its problem solving and quick thinking. Through my reading this week on game-based learning there was a focus on how gaming can create better problem-solvers. I agree with this idea and hope we can get educators to take game-based learning more seriously. Due to critical reviews of games in schools we will need to keep our minds open to the ideas and possibilities games can offer us.
          When I began browsing games on my Mac most of what I found was more scavenger hunts or mission games. Although I am sure I have some students who may be experts at these games I am not into that at all. I decided to look for something more educational that my students could benefit from. I decided to look through game options on my Droid and found Math Maniac.
          I thought since this looked like a basic math game of addition I could just start playing. Well, I was wrong. There were tips in the instruction on how to get more points by combining more numbers and using the same color of numbers while playing. I just thought I was adding. I wanted a game that would be appropriate for my students so once I learned how to score higher it was not challenging for me. My student will love it! They really enjoy puzzles, mind bender games, and anything that is a race of time is always popular.
          As I played this game with my family in and out of the room I felt distracted, much like some students may feel at times in school. Although I was able to finish a level while still responding to my family as needed I know some people, especially elementary aged children, may struggle to do so.
          This week has been eye opening learning about game-based learning. I know games can be fun and educational at the same time. I read about children who play games being able to filter what they need in a busy environment. This is definitely a skill that could be helpful to anyone in a school, a work environment, or even a family member trying to learn a new game on her Droid.