Double Journal Entry #12

1. What is the main argument the author is making in Chapter 5.

The main argument in chapter 5 was that most good video games are designed to enhance learning. The video games use effective learning principles. Chapter 5 talked about how schools should learn to adapt this same curriculum.

2. What constitutes a theory of learning?

A learning theory is a way in which a child absorbs, processes, and retains information during the learning process.

3. Why did the author struggle to learn to play Warcraft III? What needs to proceed before good learning principles?

The author struggled to learn to play Warcraft III because it was almost as if he didn't want to learn how to play. He wasn't fully engaged in the game and therefore he wasn't able to learn the various principles the game used. Before learning good principles, engagement needs to take place.

4. How would have the authors struggle with learning to play Warcraft III been interpreted in school?

The authors struggle with learning to play Warcraft III would have been negatively interpreted in the school system. If he was being graded on his performance, he would have likely received a failing grade. 

5. What kind of learning experience might be better suited for at risk students?

At risk students need to feel secure in their learning. Students in this situation often need to take their time on certain tasks. While other students may only need a day or two to grasp the concept, at risk students will likely perform better if they are given the opportunity to stay at the same level for a longer period, and given the time to develop.

6. Why does the school-based interpretation of "at risk" lead to bad learning?

The school-based interpretation of "at risk" students is typically negative. They assume that those students cannot learn and therefore they are given simpler, not as meaningful, tasks and assignments to complete.

7. What do schools need to do to function more like a good game?

Schools need to give students time to explore new content. Most of the time, students can learn when they are given the opportunity and time to grow. I personally believe that schools are so focused on standardized testing and moving ahead, that they forget that some students will benefit greatly if they are just given a little extra time.

8. What is different about how good games and schools assess learners?

With video games, it is easy to start the game over and try again. Schools often do not allow this opportunity for students.

9. What are the attributes of a fish-tank tutorial that make it an effective learning tool? How is it different than school-based learning?

A tutorial allows for more student directed learning, while the typical school-based learning system is more teacher driven.

10. What is a sand-box tutorial? Why is effective? How is it different that school-based learning?

With a sand-box tutorial, it gives students the opportunity to mess up and then try again. School-based learning takes, almost the complete opposite approach, and is based on passing or failing. 

11. What is a genre? Why is it important for good learning?

A genre refers to a certain style or type of something. A genre is important for good learning, because all students learn through different styles. In order for good, meaningful learning to occur, teachers need to recognize their students different genres of learning.

12. According to the author, what do learning and play having in common?

According to the author, learning and playing are alike because they both involve being actively engaged.

13. How are the skills test in good games different from skills tests in school?

Skills tests in games are usually developmental. Skills tests in schools are assessed through a method of evaluation. 

14. How does RoN support collaborative learning?

RoN supports collaborative learning because it allows players to work together and observe how others work, stratagize, and think. 

15. Match at least one learning principle of good games (on page 74) with each the following learning theorists you have studied in 3352:

Dewey:suggest that we should continuously motivate students

Vygotsky: move from supported learning to unsupported learning through smooth transitions

Piaget: basic skills taught in simpler versions

Gardner: adresses a variety of learning styles

Bandura:teachers and students should work collaboratively

Skinner: information is given on demand