Outcomes

= Outcomes =

It has become obvious through out this wiki that there are different types of software that can be used in the classroom. Here are two short videos that will help to explain the differences.


 * = media type="youtube" key="rN0qRKjfX3s?fs=1" height="268" width="336" align="left" ||= media type="youtube" key="DuFcaPAx3jQ?fs=1" height="268" width="336" ||

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN0qRKjfX3s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuFcaPAx3jQ&feature=related

From these videos you can see that there is a difference in the type of software that can be used in classrooms. This wiki has discussed games that are simulations or social type networks and the issues and benefits of these in the classroom.

 Playing video games in school is a time for learning, interacting and socialising. It allows the teacher to know physically where their pupils are and what they are doing and learning. Time spent on the games can be monitored and guided. There are other issues such as selecting games, costs and social skills improving or detracting. These are challenges that need to be considered when using gaming as a learning medium.

 Here is a short video that will help teachers understand the importance of gaming in the classroom and you can follow up be visiting one of the following websites set up to help teachers.

media type="youtube" key="U37p_Tkjq2U?fs=1" height="307" width="384" align="center"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U37p_Tkjq2U

 Recommended websites to visit to assist with teachers learning.

 http://www.balancedgaming.com/  http://www.gamebasedlearning.org.uk/

Research has shown that New Zealand does not appear to be keeping up with other countries in their use of gaming in classrooms. Though there are pockets of teachers attempting to introduce gaming but it is not wide spread as yet. Here is one research document from Waikato University on a avatar type program trialled at New Zealand schools and it shows in depth the learning that has taken place. The use of game based learning within the classroom as yet is still in its infancy. The teachers who are willing to try this type of learning in New Zealand schools often have to be teaching in a very supportive environment. It should be noted that game based teaching is a type of blended learning and as such should be mixed with other mediums for learning. Little study has taken place as yet in New Zealand even though there are leaders in ICT dotted around New Zealand within schools. At times game based learning seems more for high schools learners but the conflict for the teaching time and meeting the standards of the regulated NCEA which the schools are judged on is overriding any attempts. Some Intermediates have taken up the challenge but very few primary schools, who now have the added need to meet the National Standards, have fully taken on blended learning using gaming based learning as a platform. Why? Because in schools time is an issue and the required PD for the teachers who feel inadequate is few and far between. Funding is another key feature that stops this type of learning, BOT's are not willing to spend money on what they see as unjustified spending and hence it does not happen. The teacher who is interested thus has to make do with what is already available in their schools. It is not the teachers or learners fault but rather the structure of our education system and the successive New Zealand governments educational philosophies.