Multiple Intelligences
Individualizing instruction can be a challenge given the many types of intelligence of the learners. Take the multiple intelligence test at http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/index.htm and discuss how games and simulations can address the needs of multiple intelligences.
Games can address the personalities of those who prefer to work alone. Often times, the games or simulations are the player against the computer.
But by asking students to share their results and asking open ended questions on a discussion board, the student who prefers to be along (or perhaps is uncomfortable sharing results) can be lead to another level of interaction. Thus, learning will take place on multiple levels.
Janis,
Great post. Sometimes learners get so involved in the competition, the achievement of objectives is difficult to assess. The open ended questions on a discussion board is a way to emphasize the objectives. It is also a great way to informally/formally assess achievement.
Dr. Karen Drage
When looking at the results of my multiple intelligence test and thinking about the different intelligence areas, it is easier for me to think about how to apply gaming and simulation ideas to various topic areas. I think a good idea for developers of gaming and simulation to look at the multiple intelligence test results for a group of students typical to those who would be in the course/program and consider what areas tend to be stronger for that group. While it is still important to include a focus or options for different types of learning, if a system could be designed to customize based on the strongest intelligence areas for an individual or if the typical strong areas were the primary focus, then the game or simulation is more likely to provide a stronger engagement opportunity for the students.
There are many types of games today each tackling problems and conquering those problems that are presented through out this course. Adapting these methods to educational learning is a great way to bridge the gap between the two. In many of the massive multi-player styled games on the market today, the game designers of these titles have to compensate for different learning types . I think if I incorporated different task in a group assignment setting each focusing on individual learning types those learners would in turn feel empowered because there helping there group succeed . This is the same as " group quest in the popular gaming genera i mentioned above, pulling different people together to achieve a common goal is the foundation of group questing in online gaming. Identifying those learning types threw test like the one we took can then help me formulate
