Games, Games, Simulations, & Simulations, &

WebQuestsWebQuests

December 2007December 2007

What is an online game?What is an online game?Internet games (also known as online games) areInternet games (also known as online games) are

games that are played online via the Internet. Theygames that are played online via the Internet. They

are distinct from video and computer games in thatare distinct from video and computer games in that

they are normally platform independent, relyingthey are normally platform independent, relying

solely on client-side technologies (normally called solely on client-side technologies (normally called

'plugins'). Normally all that is required to play 'plugins'). Normally all that is required to play

Internet games are a web browser and the Internet games are a web browser and the

appropriate plugin (normally availableappropriate plugin (normally available

for free via the plugin maker's website). A game for free via the plugin maker's website). A game

played in a browser is often called a browser-basedplayed in a browser is often called a browser-based

game.game. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_gamehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_game

What is a simulation?What is a simulation?

Simulations are creative, completeSimulations are creative, complete

units of instruction that incorporate units of instruction that incorporate

traditionally taught material into atraditionally taught material into a

simulated environment in thesimulated environment in the

classroom.classroom.http://www.todaysteacher.com/Simulations.htmhttp://www.todaysteacher.com/Simulations.htm

What is a webquest?What is a webquest?

An inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all ofAn inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all ofthe information used by students is online. Bythe information used by students is online. Byproviding links necessary to complete the quest,providing links necessary to complete the quest,the student is able to focus on the material ratherthe student is able to focus on the material ratherthan spend time looking for it. The five-partthan spend time looking for it. The five-partWebQuest (Introduction, Task, Resources,WebQuest (Introduction, Task, Resources,Process, Evaluation, and Conclusion) promotesProcess, Evaluation, and Conclusion) promotescritical thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesiscritical thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesisand evaluation.and evaluation.

www.netnet.org/students/student%20glossary.htm www.netnet.org/students/student%20glossary.htm

Why use games, simulations, Why use games, simulations, or webquests in teaching?or webquests in teaching?

““They are fun, and many educational gamesThey are fun, and many educational gamesalso call for collaboration and group action.also call for collaboration and group action.The increased use of games andThe increased use of games andsimulations in education in recent yearssimulations in education in recent yearsreflects the change in teaching styles towardreflects the change in teaching styles towarda more constructive way of learning.a more constructive way of learning.Students are allowed to make independentStudents are allowed to make independentchoices, and to quickly see the results of choices, and to quickly see the results of those choices.”those choices.”

http://www.bjiao.com/tel7001/book/Games.htmhttp://www.bjiao.com/tel7001/book/Games.htm

ExampleExample

55thth Grade Government Grade Government

Are you ready…Are you ready…

Time to find a game,Time to find a game,

simulation, or webquest forsimulation, or webquest for

your class…your class…