Wiki+Posting+Space

November 8 - Game-Based Literacies & Learning Wiki Posting Space
Conduct a search on digital games related to your content area. Write a short review that includes: 1) a description of the educational features of the game; 2) who makes it and pricing (or is it free?); 3) evaluation of the educational value for your students both in class or at home.

Kristy's Example: Gamestar Mechanic 1) Gamestar Mechanic, by E-Line Media & Institute of Play, actually empowers students by letting them design their own game. It is designed on a learning platform, teaching game design principles while facilitating creativity and innovation using other 21st Century skills, like problem solving, collaboration, and digital media literacies. There are three integrated components to this gaming software, play, design, and share or publish. Read the For Teachers page to learn more about how to get started. 2) A **free version** of Gamestar Mechanic with a robust online curriculum is available for unlimited use by educators who wish to gain experience using the platform with their students. To use Gamestar Mechanic as a licensed educator, there are several pricing tiers. 3) This is a great place for students to get started, learning to innovate and design in the environment they are already playing in. Educationally, I feel there is a place for using this software in a design class. Students could certainly get started at home. The company actually hosts competitions whereby learning to create gaming media may lead to future career possibilities.