Credit: Three semester hours

Time: 9:00-1:00 Wednesday, Jan 4 - Tuesday, Jan 17 [Jan 4, 5, 6// 9, 10, 11, 12, 13//16, 17]

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:

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

Recommended Textbooks:

The Ultimate History of Video Games, Steven L. Kent ISBN: 0-7615-3643-4. There are technology requirements (see digital storage below).

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. (1/4 overall grade, 25 points). 

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 assigneed reading. Other creative ways of assuring proper preparation for the discussion are encouraged, and may include both formal and informal evaluations (1/4 overall grade, 25 points).

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. Quizzes and other evaluations will be determined by the students leading that particular days' discussion (1/4 overall grade, 25 points).

Class Participation/Journals: In addition to traditional in-clas 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. (Grades that are close to a given cutoff level maybe be either raised or lowered based on class participation and quality of journals.)

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 (1/4 overall grade, 25 points).

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 accomodations should speak with the prfessor as early as possible. Students with disabilities should aos contact: Sharon House, Coordinator of Accomodative Services at 267-3267, Sisson 112, or e-mail her at housese@potsdam.edu for further assistance. All disclosures will remain confidential.

Grading:
Lesson: 25 points
Leading Discussion Topic: 25 points
Quizzes: 25 points
Final Project: 25 points
Close Calls: Determine by quality of Games Journal.

(90-100) 4.0
(87-89) 3.7
(83-86) 3.3
(80-82) 3.0
(77-79) 2.7
(73-76) 2.3
(70-73) 2.0
<70 points 0.0

Course Schedule: (Subject to change as needed. Discussion Topics are from Spring 2005, and are left there as examples for the Winterim 2006 class. They will be replaced with the current 2006 topics as they are approved/available)
 

Date:	Topic:
1/4	Course Introduction/Overview. Choose Topic for Lessons. Game Bingo View Modern Marvels: Video Games - Behind the Fun (History Channel) Listen to Studio 360's Jan 29, 2005 Broadcast regarding video games.
1/5	The Chainsaw Theory of Motivation (Lesson Draft Due) The Diffusion of Innovations Simulation Game Diffusion of Innovations Overview
1/6	Teach Instructional Lessons (Lesson Plan Guidelines) (Grading Critieria for Lesson)
1/9	Discussion of Course Readings: Gee: What Games Have to Teach us about Learning and Literacy
1/10	Chris Hopkins: Using Games and Simulations for Athletic Performance Improvement Ed Potter: The Mind of Malcom Gladwell
1/11	Ryan Hepford/Edd Schneider: Exploration vs. Instruction in Virtual Environments Rhonda Peets: Gender Issues in Simulations and Games
1/12	Shaan Ghadially: Games and Simulations in Physical Therapy and Rehabilition Ryan Spillett: Health and Games
1/13	Katie Lemery: Got Game
11/16	Game Day (including exercise and video games)
1/17	Final Research/Project Presentations

Office Information:
E-mail: betrusak@potsdam.edu
Office: Satterlee Hall 212
Phone: (315) 267-2670