Credit: Three (3) semester hours

Time:11:30-2:00

Dates:
May 21
May 26, 27, 28, 29
June 1, 2,
June 9, 10, 11
June 16, 17, 18
June 23, 24, 25

Location: Dunn 210 & Dunn 399

Purpose: The primary purpose of this course is for the students to acquire an understanding of how simulations and games can be used to promote teaching and learning. Students will apply their knowledge through the creation of instructional lessons centered around a simulation or game. as well as leading group discussions on  game-based learning topics.

Required Textbooks:
None

Recommended Readings and Resources:
Video Games and Learning: Teaching and Participatory Culture in the Digital Age. Kurt Squire, 2011. pp. 312
What Video Games Have to Teach us About Learning and Literacy By James Paul Gee PALGRAVE MACMILLAN, 2003, pp.225
"Got Game: How the Gamer Generation Is Reshaping Business Forever" By Beck and Wade Harvard Business, 2004, pp. 208
"Don't Bother me Mom, I'm Learning." by Marc Prensky, 2006. pp. 350
The Ultimate History of Video Games, Steven L. Kent ISBN: 0-7615-3643-4. pp. 624
Videos: The Discovery Channel: "The Rise of the Video Game" 5 part documentary series. YouTube Links: p1, p2, p3, p4, p5.

Requirements:
Small Scale Instructional/Training Lesson : Students will negotiate a topic for as lesson that incorporates a simulation or game. The lesson must contain three distinct phases: Briefing (5 minutes), Action (15 minutes), and Debriefing (10 minutes) . Students will work in groups of 2 to develop, test, and deliver the lesson. Grade will be based on the professionalism of the materials, delivery of the lesson, and reflections for improvement of the lesson in the future. (25 points)

Medium Scale Instructional/Training Lesson: Same as above, only instructional time will be 10-30-20. (25 points)

Large Scale Instructional/Training Lesson: Same as above, only instructional time will be 20-60-40. (50 points)
(Grading Criteria for Lesson) (General Lesson Plan Guidelines)
 
Attendance: Daily attendance is required of all students, as the content of daily class discussions cannot be obtained in any way other than attending class.
 
Class Participation: Instructor discretion, based on quality of class participation throughout the course (+/- 5 points)
 
Journals: Students in this class will be encouraged to keep a simulations and games journal. In this journal the students will keep notes on daily simulation and game activities, including in-class and out-of-class activities. (10 points)
 
Technology Requirements: In lieu of textbooks, please reserve $100 for various technology expenses may be incurred during the course of the class.
 
Digital Storage: It is strongly recommended that each student purchase a USB Drive, with at least 4gb capacity. Cloud storage is also recommended (Dropbox, Cubby, Google Drive, etc...)
 
Optional Lectures/Activities: Each completed optional activity will be worth up to 5 points. The may include guest lectures, gaming sessions, or other activities that will occur outside of regular class time. Students may submit their own ideas for optional activities (1 per student). A minimum of 2/3rds of the class should be available participate in the optional activity.
 
Plagiarism: This course adheres to the College's policy on academic honesty as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. Plagiarism may lead to grade reduction, course failure, or expulsion from school.
 
Students with Disabilities: Any students with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations should speak with the professor as early as possible. Students with disabilities should contact: Sharon House, Coordinator of Accommodative Services at 267-3267, Sisson 112, or e-mail her at housese@potsdam.edu for further assistance. All disclosures will remain confidential.
 
Grading:
Small Lesson (30 minutes) 25 points
Mid-Sized Lesson (1 hour) 25 points
Large Lesson (2 hours) 50 points
90-100 points = A (4.0)
87-80 points = A- (3.7)
83-86 points = B+ (3.3)
80-82 points = B (3.0)
77-79 points = B- (2.7)
73-76 points = C+ (2.3)
70-72 points = C (2.0)
Below 70 points = F (0.0)
 
Course Schedule:
 

Date:	Class Activities and Assignments:
5/21	We will not meet in person for this 1st session.  Rather, complete the activities below in preparation for class on 5/26. Complete "What Kind of D&D Character Would You Be?" Bring a digital copy of your results to class on 5/26. Read and take notes for 5/26 -  Principles of Using Games for Learning (Betrus & Botturi, 2010)
5/26	Course Introduction/Overview.  In-Class Game: Teaching Bad Apples. 60 minute seminar: Principles of Using Games for Learning. Discussion leader: Dr. Betrus. Students choose topics for 30-minute lessons  Read and take notes for 5/27 - Serious Games part 1 (link)
5/27	45 minute seminar: Serious Games, part 1. Discussion leader Kerry Clancy Teach small scale instructional lessons. 2 x 1/2 hour presentations (Kerry Clancy: Puberty Education; Damian Curreri: Cultural Norms) Read and take notes for 5/28 - Serious Games part 2 (link)
5/28	45 minute seminar: Serious Games, part 2. Discussion leader Damian Curreri Teach small scale instructional lessons (groups of 2). 2 x 1/2 hour presentations (Emily/Ben; Caitlyn/Andrew) Read and take notes for 5/29 - Gamification (link)
5/29	Teach small scale instructional lessons (groups of 2). 2 x 1/2 hour presentations (Greg/Lamya; Erin/Courtney) 45 minute seminar: Gamification. Discussion leaders Andrew Knight and Caitlyn Dean Students choose topics for 60-minute lessons Read and take notes for 6/1 - Skills Competition in Vocational Training (link)
6/1	Betrus UWI Keynote Presentation 45 minute seminar: Skills Competition in Vocational Training. discussion leader Greg Vaverchak Read and take notes for 6/2 - Games for Mental Health (link)
6/2	Teach one hour instructional lessons: Topic: Hour of Code; Facilitators Damian Curreri & Emily Fritz). 45 minute seminar: Games for Mental Health, Discussion Leader Courtney Johnson Read and take notes for 6/9 - History of Games (link)
6/9	Teach one hour instructional lessons Topic: Prisoner's Dilemma; Facilitators Courtney Johnson and Erin Barton. 45 minute seminar: History of Games, Discussion Leader Erin Barton Read and take notes for 6/10 - Vioelnce in Games(link)
6/10	Teach one hour instructional lessons (groups of 2). 45 minute seminar: Violence in Games, Ben Davison Read and take notes for 6/11 - Game Based Learning (link)
6/11	45 minute seminar: Game Based Learning, Emily Fritz   Read and take notes for 6/11 - Game Construction(link) Students choose topics for 2 hour lessons
6/16 (subject to change)	45 minute seminar: Game Construction (Lamya Almomani) Ghetto 2 hour Lesson, Lamya and Greg
6/17	Oregon Trail 2 hour Lesson, Erin and Courtney
6/18	Teach two hour instructional lessons (groups of 2)
6/23	Class Time will be used for visit to Ft. Drum Simulation Training Center.
6/24	Teach two hour instructional lessons (groups of 2)
6/25	Teach two hour instructional lessons (groups of 2). Review Game Journals, Course Reflections.

Possible Discussion Topics (not limited to those listed below):
Virtual Worlds
Violence in Games
Games for Health
Augmented Reality
A History of Video Games
Virtual Reality
Live-Action Role Playing Games

 

Possible Games for Lessons
Mafia

Outbid

Ghetto

Prisoner's Dillema

Papers, Please!

Office Information:
E-mail: betrusak@potsdam.edu
Office: Dunn Hall 393
Phone: (315) 323-4456

 

Useful Links:

Jeopardy Labs: Make your own Jeopardy Game

Kahoot: Make your own Game (like Jeopardy, and you use your own smart device to answer questions.

Lifeboat Morality Test: Who would you pick to survive?

Bruce Tuckman's Stages of Group Development

This page created 5/15//2015 by Dr. Anthony Betrus.  Last updated 6/16/2015