My goal for this MOOC offered by EdX, Design & Development of Games for Learning, is to check out how a game, if it is fun and engaging, will help with learner motivation.  Here are two reading resources from the course that PSA might find useful.

[gview file=”https://publicservicesalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/MovingLearningGamesForward_EdArcade.pdf”] [gview file=”https://publicservicesalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/game-design.pdf”]

So far, I’ve paid $50 to get a certificate from EdX if I complete this course through MIT.  I paid the money as a way to motivate myself to complete the MOOC.  My record, like most, is not good with MOOCs so I thought maybe some money on the table might motivate me to complete.   I’m not sure what  the “satisfactory” outcomes may be since most of the activities require a check mark by “me” showing I participated.  Feedback comes in the forums from other participants.

Currently, the course syllabus shows we are in unit 4: prototyping the game.   At this point, I’m already behind since I’ve committed only 1 to 2 hrs per week, and the course is looking for about 4-6 hours per week.

PSA is interested in how a social learning construct can support a learner to complete.   I will let you know since I’m curious about how much support I will get if a get behind in this 6 week course.  I do have a year to complete.  Will anyone be there if I keep showing up on my own schedule?

Take away so far:  Bill Nye the Science Guy was mentioned as an early example for capturing enthusiasm for science.  Bill Nye is a Pacific Northwest person (teacher)  who I have ties with through teaching friends in the Pacific Northwest.  So, is the game “fun”?  Is the game the teacher or is the game the catalyst to learn?  Questions to be answered soon.

Since gaming is not a big deal for me, I’m looking at coming up with combining a game I do like, Video Poker with the context for a virtual conference networking game.