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 & Data Visualization.

(Lesson Plan Guidelines)

(Grading Criteria for Lesson)

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
(Todd/Elizabeth); (Jen/Aimee); (Janel, Jack); (Melissa, Lindsay)
90 minute seminar: Topic = Principles of Using Games for Learning.
Discussion leader: Dr. Betrus & Aimee Felt

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
(Beth, Brian); (Nicole, Jon); (Mike, Nick)
Continued Online Discussion of Betrus and Botturi Chapter, Moderator: Aimee Felt
Reading for 6/3: Science Instruction Using Nano Legends

Follow-up Discussion on Blackboard


6/3

Teach small scale instructional lessons (Groups of 2). 4 x 1/2 hour presentations
(Bridget, Olijiwon); (Karen, Lindsey); (Ray, Ken); (Caylynn, Emily)
60 minute seminar: Nick, Todd, Liz Topic: Science Instruction using Nano Legends
Reading for 6/7: Using Mid Sized Games Promoting Social Skills through Initiative Games

Follow-up Discussion on Blackboard

6/7

Teach mid-sized instructional lessons (Groups of 4). 2 x 1 hour presentations
1 Hour Lesson: Todd, Liz, Nick - Topic: Galapagos Finches

1 Hour Lesson: Aimee, Janel, Jen, Olajiwon - Topic: Disabilities

 

60 minute seminar: Lindsay & Lindsey Topic: Promoting Social Skills through Initiative Games


Reading for 6/8: Using Mid Sized Games Girl Gamers Controversy; Game Modding with Girls

 

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
Discussion Leaders : Nicole, Karen, and Jon
Reading for 6/9: How Simulations Affect Attitudes in Middle School

6/9

Teach mid-sized instructional lessons (Groups of 3). 2 x 1 hour presentations
1 Hour Lesson: Melissa, Lindsay, Lindsey, Karen Topic: Food Webs and Food Chains

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
Reading for 6/10: Student Perceptions of Games in the classroom

6/10

Prepare 2 hour lessons

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.
Reading for 6/14: Morality, Marketing, and the Prisoner's Dilemma

 

Briefing (20 minutes)

Action (70 minutes)

Debriefing (30 minutes)

6/14

Teach large scale instructional lessons (Groups of 7). 2 x 2 hour presentations 


Elizabeth, Nicole, Jon, Todd, Caylynn, Nick, Emily Topic: Science Scavenger Hunt

Olajiwon, Jen, Lindsay, Aimee, Melissa, Lindsey, Karen: Marketing Echo Issues


Online Discussion Leaders: Olajiwon McCadney, Raymond Ameigh, Bridget DeMarse.  Discussion Starts Fri June 11 through by Mon June 14 at 4:00


Reading for 6/15: The Digital Divide 

6/15

Teach large scale instructional lessons (Groups of 7). 1 x 2 hour presentations 


Brian, Ken, Raymond, Bridget,  - Orientation Multi-Cache


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.