Jeff Pelich's presentation at ECOO 2012 on engaging boys in learning through the use of video games.

1. Gaming in the
Classroom
Using video games to engage at-risk
learners in school and learning

2. What this session isn’t...
• theoretical
• educational games
• sales pitch
• lesson plans

3. What this session is...
• changing your mindset about games
• using “real” games in learning
• sharing ideas
• having conversations while having fun

4. What is about to
happen?
•quick introduction
PLAY
And then we...

5. My
Structured
Learning
Classroom

7. =

8. Technology
...it’s great but...
...engagement
is the best!

9. Learning
...as part of the game
...as an extension of the game

11. While we
PLAY

12. =

14. Gamingexampl
es
• iOS - iPhone and iPad
• $$$
• Fishing game
• Ordering and comparing decimals/ Data management using spreadsheet
• Ecosystems - describing biotic and abiotic features in each fishing area
• Fish research - using Google to find specific information about the fish
from the game

15. Gamingexampl
es
• iOS and most others
• $$$
• Problem solving game
• Zombie Menu - write a menu that a zombie would love (descriptive
writing, target aud)
• Evacuation site - area and perimeter

16. Gamingexampl
es
• iOS, Android, Playbook,
PC, Mac
• $$$
• Point and click puzzle
game/adventure
• Visual
• Robot Narrative - write about the main characters life while making
connections to the game
• Eutopian and Distopian societies - describe the difference and read a
variety of short stories related to these themes
• Procedural writing - walk-though of scenes from the game

17. Gamingexampl
es
• Mac
• $$$
• Role Playing
• Mars research guiding question: Should we be heading to Mars?
• Measurement - distance, time, conversion, etc.
• Writing - developing ideas on a topic - creative Mars Rover with multiple
uses

18. Gamingexampl
es
• iOS and Mac
• $$$
• Science Fiction/Action
• Science Fiction short stories and the Sci-Fi genre - examination of genre
and common themes
• Design your own ship - math and art expectations
• Commodities and Trading - examination of the math of stock markets

19. Gamingexampl
es
• iOS and Mac
• $$$
• Puzzle
• Monster Research and Presentation - research a “monster” and present
information in PowerPoint or Prezi
• Create your own level - procedural writing to how to solve the map.
• Monster Art

20. Gamingexampl
es
• Mac. PC, iOS
• $$$
• Role Playing, Simulation
• Civilizations research
• Recreate world wonder in Minecraft and describe the history behind the
building
• Types of Government, development of religions, and various technology
advancements
• Connected with Civilizations players around the world and discussion
about strategies

21. Gamingexampl
es
• Most Platforms
• $$$
• Game Show
• Voice and Oral Communication - word choice when narrating a game
• Collecting and organizing data - learning about spreadsheets

22. Gamingexampl
es
• Most Platforms
• $$$
• Slicing and Dicing
game
• Probability unit - collecting data and making probability statements
• Compared the probability of getting a higher score than the adults.

23. Gamingexampl
es
• Most Platforms
• $$$
• Problem solving
• You tell me....

24. Gamingexampl
es
• Mac and Windows
• $$$
• You tell me....