Instructional Technology
Conference 2007

Title: Moving Beyond the Talk: Let the Games Begin

Name: Joanne Gikas, Kristy Conger

Audience Level: all

Audience: faculty, instructors, instructional technology specialists

Length: 2 hour

Abstract:
What’s with all the “hype” of using gaming and simulation in the learning
environment? If you are interested in seeing what gaming and simulation really
has to offer your instruction but have not had the opportunity to experiment with
it, this session will help identify types of games that can be used in instruction,
the significance of gaming and simulation and the instructional value of this type
of learning strategy.

Description:
Over the last few years, research has indicated the effectiveness of integrating
gaming and simulation in the learning environment. This research also identifies
the technology expectations of our learners and how these relevant technologies
can assist us in teaching and learning. Because of this, the question arises how is
gaming and simulation effective and how can it really benefit teaching and
learning? Used effectively, gaming and simulation techniques allow students to
interact with information at a deeper level. This workshop intends to provide the
following for the participants:

• an opportunity to discuss how our learners have changed and what their
  technology expectations are a brief overview of what research states about games and simulations in
  the learning environment
• an opportunity to identify types of games (crossword puzzles/Jeopardy style games; “true” educational games (edutainment games); commercial 2 video games; online games, etc.) and how to use them appropriately in
  the learning environment
• a process to determine what types of games are intended for recall/comprehension and critical/higher order thinking skills
• a hands on demo of the use of specific games (recall/comprehension games and critical/higher order thinking games)
• available resources the presenters have discovered for the UofM faculty on specific topics and/or subject matter

With this workshop, participants will be able to discuss and explore the relevancy
of gaming and simulation as a viable instructional strategy. Participants will also
be able to appreciate the time investment needed to incorporate gaming and
simulation into the learning environment. Gaming and simulation examples, as
well as student feedback, from other universities will also be provided.

Session Type: Hands on Workshop

Contact information/affiliation:
Joanne Gikas, Academic Technology Consultant, Advanced Learning Center,
University of Memphis
jgikas@memphis.edu
901.678.5958

Kristy Conger, Academic Technology Consultant, Advanced Learning Center,
University of Memphis
kconger@memphis.edu
901.678.5957