More on Games in Education

[avad]

Ok, now we're getting somewhere, methinks.

Regarding the thinktank project I'm involved in...and potentials for educational activities on a virtual 'Better World Island', came across something hopeful today. Don't know how many of you are familiar with The Sims ? It's like SecondLife in ways but much more 'game oriented'...you're developing/influencing the artificial life of a character you create by making specific decisions. Very popular game/pasttime given that it is touted as the 'best-selling PC game of all time'.I was looking into this before finding SL, trying to envision how the technology could be used for purposes beyond entertainment.
Personally I like the more open-ended 'game-less' format of SL much better...but when thinking of how to engage minds (especially of the younger generations), 'games' have much of a historical allure.

Now take a look at this incredible educational tool I that takes the basic concept of the Sims to awareness/consciousness raising levels!:

"Real Lives - by Educational Simulations

Experience life as a:

-Peasant farmer in Bangladesh
-Factory worker in Brazil
-Policeman in Nigeria
-Lawyer in the United States
-Computer operator in Poland
or any of thousands more ...

Real Lives is a unique, interactive life sim that enables you to live one of billions of lives in any country in the world. Through statistically accurate events, Real Lives brings to life different cultures, political systems, economic opportunities, personal decisions, health issues, family issues, schooling, jobs, religions, geography, war, peace, and more!"

I think this can be an Amazing tool for schools and interactive learning, don't you?
I wonder about how we might be able to integrate content of this sort into SecondLife.

Comments

Grand Theft Ought No

[eyeclectic.livejournal.com]

  While at a Friend's house last night, Eye observed his 5 year old grandson playing Grand Theft Auto. At first he was being chased and shot at by cops from every direction and Eye thought, sarcastically, "What a great game for a child!" However, as he saw me standing there, he said, "Hey, let me show you something beautiful!", and proceeded to run his character through town and into the water, where he exclaimed, "See, I can swim!", and as the police were still shooting at him, "I'm safe under water.", while floating in a very Waking Life sort of posture. Then he went for a drive on a motorcycle, saying, "Do you like my bike? I bought it." And since he had been happily cruising along for some time, without incident of being chased or shot at, Eye Believed him. Eye just thought it was interesting how the choice was programmed into this game to either start a negative chain or just ride the Positive and Eyexplore~> And that, while Eye was there, he chose the Positive, which really was more Eyenjoyable~>

  Positively,
  JS : )

Re: Grand Theft Ought No

[avad.livejournal.com]

great story.:)
yes I think there is so much hope within this media. This generation is so much growing up with these games as part of their day...if the popular games can gradually shift to positive and consciousness raising while still being engaging and fun? SUCH a learning/inspirational tool.
it's really a matter of encouraging the behaviors that we think will make a better world. reward creativity instead of killing. show the allure of cooperative zero-sum games instead of powerplay/one winner. And create more and more spaces for Connection...which I think is the best point...how one teenager from one place can actually become Friends with someone 'worlds away' and develop that friendship to a realness. With time..this helps to adjust our general view of strangers I think.
ah, you know I could go on and on..;)
thanks for the observation JS

i think strangers should stay strange

[coldbacon.livejournal.com]

too many kissing in world today. too many baby. touching. smiling. i think best people stay in village whole life. making beads. manioc beer. i think better they staying there. waiting for me. i visit them.