my evaluation of a game

The game I evaluated was 1066.

Educational Games Evaluation Form

Name of the Game: 1066

Name of Publisher: channel 4 (2009)

 

Give a one line summary of the game

A historical war game using problem solving skills.

   

Overall rating 1-5 (1 low – 5 high)

4

Comment on;

Suitability; age, ability, interest

I believe it can be used for any child studying history during key stage 2 onwards. It is essential for the player to understand how to use basic keys on the computer and be aware of the techniques to fight when at war. It would also be a benefit if they understood the aim of the game before playing. Personally, I think this is more of a game for the male gender rather than the female gender.

 

Enjoyable and challenging

The game could be quite challenging if the player isn’t confident when using the keyboard and mouse at the same time. There is no need for the player to be highly academic in history as the game itself gives you a story to explain at the start. It’s an enjoyable game with a competitive streak.

 

Does it PROMOTE any of the following?

                                                Yes          No

Creativity                           x

 

Collaboration                     x

Discovery                                        x

Higher-order thinking         x

Problem solving                 x

 

 

 

Is it MOTIVATIONAL?

                                                                           Yes    No

Student controls pacing                            x

Stimulates curiosity                                   x

Challenging, are their different levels?      x

Real-world connections                             x

 

Comment on the;

 

Strengths

The games strengths are probably the animations and music combined. With the use of animation and sound the game is able to give an educational story at the beginning in order for the player to be fully aware of the aims and objectives of the game. The game was full of different skills for the player to develop and incorporate into different stages in the game. Weaknesses

The game is only targeted for one gender. It’s more of a male orientated game rather than a history game for any child during education. Maybe by involving females into the war it could help to increase the interest of females.

 

Learning effectiveness

I believe the story at the beginning helps the learning throughout the game by remembering the aims of the game and understanding the wars and the groups from the past. Most children prefer to remember a fact etc by linking it to something else in order to never forget, in this instance the game might benefit the child or player in this way.

   
Your recommendations/comments

I would recommend that the game is of more interest to females, however, other than that I believe the game is of high standard and very educational.

 

seminar on gaming

Many worry about children playing games instead of going out to play. However, David Schaffer believed that gaming isn't always used in negative way. It can be quite productive if used sensibly and can teach the child. David Schaffer has written 2 books based around this topic. Some parents are not always clear about what the child has to gain from the game, and so doesn't agree with the child playing games instead of doing academic work. Playing online games and giving our opinion; - what we think of the games? I shall blog my evaluation form shortly! :)

What is the connection?

We we're asked to create a powerpoint including a moral dilemma. The powerpoint had to contain hyperlinks to a path we would take to solve the dilemma. I thought it was quite an interesting task and a fun one too! However, what connection has gaming got with our task? I believe it was given to us as a task to prepare us when creating our own game. To create your own game you need the background and directions the game could take. The use of hyperlinks was used as we would have use of these when creating a game. I may be wrong but this is what i personally believe. Who knows!? xxxx

My opinion on gaming...

Gaming definitly has it's positives and negatives. I personally enjoy gaming but understand the risks of gaming today. Gaming has a huge impact on society today and it seems to be developing with us as time goes on. Games are improving and the graphics are incredible! Gaming can be used in a positive way in schools and through day to day life. In schools children can play educating games such as mathematic games or basic colouring games. However, games can be used in a negative way, many children are playing games underage such as GTa 5 (Grand Theft Auto 5) which contains strong language, racism and adult content. Other games such as Black Ops shows how "normal" it is for games that contain shooting and violence etc. Many children are at high risk of suffering from lack of sleep and nightmares. Many parents don't realise the seriousness of allowing their children to play games underage. I believe individuals should be allowed to game as long as they are sensible and fully understand the risks. Anyway, time to do some more work! :) Byeeeeeeee xxx

Education futures - Learning environments

I'm back! As fresh as a daisy ready for a new year of studying.. I will be using blogger again for this year as one of my modules are based around ICT. I'm quite excited to be able to place my thoughts and feelings on my blog again and will make sure i use it a lot more than last time! Speak soooon x