Department of Information and Communication Technology
IT 666 - Simulations and Games
- Course Syllabus -
Dr. Anthony Betrus:
Instructor
Spring 2008
Credit: Three semester hours
Time: 7:10-9:40 Tuesdays
Jan 22, 29
Feb 5, 12, 26 (No Class Feb 19)
March 4, 11, 18, (No Class March 25)
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
May 6, 13
Location: Satterlee 300
Purpose: This course covers topical issues in simulations and games in a
seminar format. 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 an
instructional lesson centered around a simulation or game. A secondary purpose
is for the students to gain an understanding of the history and current
developments in the game industry.
Required Textbooks:
"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.
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
Requirements:
Instructional/Training Lesson: Students will negotiate a topic for as lesson that incorporates a simulation or game, computer-based or otherwise. The lesson must contain three distinct phases, which include: Briefing, Action, Debriefing. 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. (100 coins or 1 star)
Student Led Discussions. Students will be assigned (individually) to prepare
the readings for a discussion topic. Students will be required to submit a
reading list ot the instructor no less than 2 weeks prior to the class discussion.
In-class activities must also be prepared, including any technical setup (eg.
preparing games to be played). Finally, the students responsible for this
discussion must come up with a method for assuring that all students come
to the discussion having read all of the assigned materials. This may include
(but is not limited to): quizzes on the assigned reading. Other creative ways
of assuring proper preparation for the discussion are encouraged, and may
include both formal and informal evaluations. (100 coins or 1 star)
Quizzes/Reaction Papers: As this is a seminar, students will be expected to read the assigned readings and contribute to class discussion. Students will be expected to write a 1 to 2 page reaction paper for each set of readings assigned for topical discussions. Each week a reading assignment will be assigned. While you read the assignment, you should be taking notes, highlighting important information, and preparing for the class discussion. Once the reading has been completed, you should use your notes and highlighted reading to write your reaction paper. These should include your reactions to the readings (not a summary of the readings). In your reactions you should demonstrate the connections between the topics discussed in the readings and your life experiences(work, home, school, social life, etc. . . ). You should use at least two experiences from your personal life that you relate to the readings. Quizzes and other evaluations will be determined by the students leading that particular days' discussion. Click here for a structural example of what you should produce.
(100 coins or 1 star)
Class Participation/Journals: In addition to traditional in-class participation,
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 coins)
Final Project: Topic Negotiable. May include the development of a
game, evaluation of a game, a research paper, or any number of projects related
to simulations and games in education and elsewhere. This is your chance to
pursue in a rigorous way something that is of interest to you and that will
keep you motivated. (100 coins or 1 star)
Technology Requirements: In addition to the textbooks, please reserve $50
for various technology expenses may be incurred during the course of the class.
Attendance: Daily attendance is required of all students, as
the content of daily class discussions can not be obtained in any other way
than attending class.
Digital Storage: It is strongly recommended that each student
purchase a USB Pendrive, with at least 256 mb capacity.
Computer Use: As a class we will be using the Macintosh computers
in Satterlee 300. Students will be required to work with these computers
or similar computers outside of class to complete homework assignments and
projects. Both Macintosh and Windows computers are fine.
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:
Lesson: 1 star
Leading Discussion Topic: 1 star
Quizzes: 1 star
Final Project: 1 star
Optional Games Journal: 10 coins
Other Optional Activities: 5 coins each
100 coins = 1 star
4 stars = 4.0
3 stars+70 coins = 3.7
3 stars+30 coins = 3.3
3 stars = 3.0
+70 coins = 2.7
+ 30 coins = 2.3
2 stars = 2.0
<2 stars = 0.0
Course Schedule: (Subject to
change as needed. Discussion Topics are from Spring 2007, and are left there
as examples for the Spring 2008 class. They will be replaced with the current
2008 topics as they are approved/available)
|
Date: |
Topic: |
|
1/22 |
Course Introduction/Overview. Choose Topic for Lessons. "Scrabble" Frame Game |
|
1/29: |
Guest
Lecture: Luca Botturi. Where: Kellas Hall 217 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 pm. Topic: "Games and Learning for Legionaries and free men in ancient Rome" (Click here for Secret Ninja Power-up for Luca's Guest Lecture) |
|
1/29: |
Teach Instructional Lessons (Individual). 4 x 1/2 hour presentations 1) Mike: Orienteering Read through Chapter 3 in the "Got
Game" text. |
|
2/5 |
Read Chapters 4 and 5 from the "Got
Game" Text |
| 2/7
2nd Optional Activity (5 coins) |
Jason
Rohrer's "Video game design as art" presentation at Clarkson. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 7th, 2008 CAMP Room 176 (click here for a campus map) Transportation leaving from the Dunn Hall loading dock. Please e-mail in advance if you will need a ride. (Click here for the Powerful Pirate Power-Up for Jason's Lecture) |
|
2/12 |
Teach Instructional Lessons (Individual). 4 x 1/2 hour presentations 1) Haifeng - Surival Necessities Assignment for next week: Read from
chapter 6 through the end of the "Got Game" text |
| 2/18 3rd Optional Activity (5 coins) |
Wii Tournament |
|
2/26 |
Josh Stokes - Session Leader |
|
3/2 |
Starcraft Tournament + Star Inivitational Starcarft
Tournament Championship Viewing |
|
3/4 |
|
|
3/11 |
Matt Tamburello - Session Leader |
|
3/18 |
|
|
3/305th Optional Activity |
"Serious Sam" Cooperative Play at Dunn 399. Sunday, March 30th @ 8:00 p.m. |
|
4/2 |
|
|
4/8 |
|
|
4/15 |
The Diffusion of
Innovations Simulation Game |
|
4/22 |
Gousen Wei - Game Censorship Haifeng Su - Game
Art and Visuals |
|
4/29 |
|
|
5/6 |
|
|
5/13 |
Final Research / Project Presentations |
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
World of Warcraft Music Video (Han Wu and Daoning Dai)
Nokia Cell Phone N and S Series Role-Playing Game (Gousen Wei and Haifeng
Su)
Microsoft XNA Matching Game (Wei Shuai, Donglei Hu, Tantan Hou)
Spearfishing Board Game (Josh Stokes)
This page created 1/22/2008 by Dr. Anthony Betrus. Last updated
4/25/2008.