STATE UNIVERSITY of NEW YORK (SUNY) Potsdam
Department
of Information and Communication Technology
IT 566 -
Teaching and Learning with Simulations and Games
- Course
Syllabus -
Dr. Anthony Betrus:
Instructor
Summer 2010
Credit:
Three semester hours
Time: 4:30-7:55
May 27,
June 1, 2, 3 (No Class Memorial Day, May 31st)
June 7, 8, 9, 10
June 14, 15
Location: Satterlee 300 & 325
Purpose: The primary purpose of this
course is for the students to acquire an understanding of how simulations and
games can be used for instructional purposes. Students will apply their
knowledge through creating instructional lessons centered around a simulation
or game.
Required Textbooks:
None
Recommended Textbooks:
The Ultimate History of Video Games, Steven
L. Kent ISBN: 0-7615-3643-4. There are technology requirements (see digital
storage below).
What Video Games Have to Teach us About Learning and Literacy By James Paul Gee
PALGRAVE MACMILLAN, 2003, pp.225
Other Media: The Discovery Channel:
"The Rise of the Video Game" 5 part documentary series. on DVD.
"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.
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, which include: Briefing (5 minutes),
Action (15 minutes), and Debriefing (10 minutes) . Students will work in groups
of 2-3 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)
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 (+/- 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. (5 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.
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: |
Topic: |
|
5/27 |
Course Introduction/Overview.
Choose Topic for Lessons. "BINGO" Frame Game Reading for 6/1: Principles of Using Games for
Learning (Betrus & Botturi, In Press)
|
|
6/1 |
Teach small
scale instructional lessons (Groups of 2). 4 x 1/2
hour presentations Follow-up Discussion on Blackboard
Briefing (5 minutes) - Presentation of Material needed to successfully play the simulation or game. Can be direct instruction (lecture), or an interactive presenatation.
Action (15 minutes) - Play the simulation or game. Facilitator will observe and take notes, and assist learners if they come to an impass.
Debriefing (10 minutes) - How Did you Feel?; What Happened?; What did you Learn?; How can you transfer this to your personal or professional life? |
|
6/2 |
Teach small
scale instructional lessons (Groups of 2). 3 x 1/2
hour presentations Follow-up Discussion on Blackboard
|
|
6/3 |
Teach small
scale instructional lessons (Groups of 2). 4 x 1/2
hour presentations Follow-up Discussion on Blackboard |
|
6/7 |
Teach
mid-sized instructional lessons (Groups of 4). 2 x 1 hour presentations
1 Hour Lesson: Aimee, Janel, Jen, Olajiwon - Topic: Disabilities
60 minute seminar: Lindsay & Lindsey Topic: Promoting Social Skills through Initiative Games
Briefing (10 minutes) Action (30 minutes) Debriefing (20minutes) |
|
6/8 |
Teach
mid-sized instructional lessons (Groups of 4). 2 x 1 hour presentations
1 Hour Lesson - Nicole, Jon, Emily, Caylynn - Earth Science 1 Hour Lesson - Mike, Beth, Bridget - Scatterplots and Line of best fit 60 minute seminar: Topic: Girl Gamers |
|
6/9 |
Teach
mid-sized instructional lessons (Groups of 3). 2 x 1 hour presentations
1 Hour Lesson: Brian, Jack, Ken, Ray - HS Social Studies: Geography & Economics 60 minute seminar: Emily, Caylynn, Mike Topic: How Simulations Affect Attitudes in Middle School |
|
6/10 |
Online Discussion Leaders:
Brian, Beth, Melissa - Topic: Student Perceptions of Games in the
classroom. Discussion Starts Wed June 9 and ends Friday, June 11
at 4:00.
Briefing (20 minutes) Action (70 minutes) Debriefing (30 minutes) |
|
6/14 |
Teach large scale instructional lessons (Groups of 7). 2 x 2 hour presentations
Olajiwon, Jen, Lindsay, Aimee, Melissa, Lindsey, Karen: Marketing Echo Issues
|
|
6/15 |
Teach large scale instructional lessons (Groups of 7). 1 x 2 hour presentations
Online Seminar: Jack, Janel, Jen Topic: Digital Divide - Starts June 14 at 4:00, finishes Today at 4:00 |
All materials related to use in the course
will be located at the Teaching
Educational Games Resources Open Content Wiki
Office Information:
E-mail: betrusak@potsdam.edu
Office: Dunn Hall 393
Phone: (315) 267-2670
This page created 5/27/2010 by Dr. Anthony Betrus. Last updated
6/10/2010.