Archive for May, 2011

Avatars and Social Learning Theory

Posted on 27. May, 2011 by .

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Recently, I posted about Bandura’s Social learning theory, this posting continues the discussion and relates it specifically to instruction involving avatars. Social Learning Theory Robert Bandura in the late 1970’s articulated the concept of social learning theory as a method in which individuals learn from one another in the context of a social situation through [...]

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Gamification vs. Serious Games–What’s the Difference?”

Posted on 26. May, 2011 by .

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Interesting comment the other day, Dianne asked: Just curious if you make a distinction between gamification and serious games. (I think getting overly wedded to terminology is a distraction from looking at the quality, or lack thereof, of particular games, but do see that the emphasis seems a bit different when people talk about the [...]

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Bandura’s Social Learning Theory

Posted on 23. May, 2011 by .

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Here are some thoughts and ideas related to Albert Bandura’s social learning theory. Bandura’s social learning theory indicates the effectiveness of human social models in influencing another to change behaviors, beliefs or attitudes, as well as social and cognitive functioning. Through processes such as observation, vicarious experience (experience gained by observing another) and social interaction, [...]

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The Do Over or Replay Button–Critical to a Game’s Success

Posted on 19. May, 2011 by .

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The “do over” in board or card games and the replay button in video games is an important game element that is often overlooked. The replay button or do over gives the player permission to fail. In games, failure is an option. And it’s a good one. Allowing a player to fail with minimal consequences [...]

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What the Gamificaiton of Learning and Instruction is Not

Posted on 18. May, 2011 by .

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There are many misconceptions about the gamification of learning and instruction, here are some things that gamification is not. Trivialization of Learning—Gamification is not a cheapening or dilution of “real learning.” Serious learning scenarios are undertaken within game spaces all the time from military games, to sales incentives, to practicing medical procedures or preparing for [...]

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Another Proposed Definition of “Game”

Posted on 17. May, 2011 by .

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“A game is a system in which players engage in an abstract challenge, defined by rules, interactivity and feedback that results in a quantifiable outcome often eliciting an emotional reaction.” Let’s look at each element of the definition: System—A set of interconnected elements occur within the “space” of the game. A score is related to [...]

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ThinkingWorlds 3.4 Release–Half Price Copies Available!

Posted on 16. May, 2011 by .

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Thinking Worlds 3.4 is now available to download! 3.4 has the long-awaited publish to Java feature which will allow you to publish your games on the internet – anywhere. To celebrate this new release, you can buy a licence to Thinking Worlds Professional or Standard at HALF PRICE. That’s a massive 50% off the normal [...]

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Kaplan EduNeering Knowledge Summit: Day Two

Posted on 13. May, 2011 by .

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Everyone had a great time last night, we went on a cruise and today we are going to have a keynote by WIRED editor Thomas Goetz. He spoke on the topic of “How to Get better at anything” He opened with a great story about Coach John Wooden. He said the coach was carefully studied [...]

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Kaplan-EduNeering Knowledge Summit Kicks off Today!

Posted on 12. May, 2011 by .

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In the introduction to the event, they announced a number of cool innovations. This year they announced EduM Mobile Learning Envionment, with iPad enabled training and announced more about how they partnered with The Phoenix Group to create exciting portals feature rich, interactive web experiences. They also spoke more about explaining what they are doing [...]

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Big Announcement Coming from ThinkingWorlds

Posted on 12. May, 2011 by .

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The 3D learning software for creating 3D simulationsThinking Worlds 3.4 will be available tomorrow to download at the web site and includes an export to web via Java feature. There will be a MASSIVE promotion that will be valid until the end of May only. I’ll posting something tomorrow so you can download and check [...]

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