MOOC Learning Online Week 1

Teaching Digital Literacy: Videogames in Education

I choosed this course for my passion for interactive digital formats and gamification, but I am also a videogame enthusiast.

The first task in the course was to think about our videogame biography, and one specific task to remember our earliest videogame memory, which for me is a halloween-themed cartoon shooter where we hunted bats besides many demo of old games we somehow obtain through borrowed CDs.

Next we spoke about videogames in relation with childhood, and about stereotypes of gamers in public debate (especially the promotion of violence). Thus the next part demonstrates some kinds of possible gameplay, like symbolic play (to think in abstract manner), fantasy play (or role play) and creative play. Also the social characteristic of games is important (especilly in global lockdown of COVID-19 pandemic). In relation to games and technology, we must seek inovative ways to use tech and solve problems. Technology also offer the creation dimmension, through videogames or editors, which can be used.

To summon my experience with the beggining of this course -- much energy is dedicated to support the idea of videogames and de-demonize its interactive and learning potential in education and self-education.

While listening to the Minecraft of this week's materials, I have realised that I might not be the right target group for this course, but it is rather designated for someone uneducated on the topic of videogames. But I appreciate the presented view of folklore scientist and other scientific studies educating about videogames, including conflict resolutions, problem solving, geting rid of taboo, boosting crativity or building relationships or community as mentioned in folklore part.

Now I have to admit, I might be biassed (I most probably am biassed), because I am one of those kids who played videogames and Minecraft since my early childhood. I have fond many friends and learn many skills thanks to videogames (I even met my boyfriend in one videogame). I tend to have much more positive view of this topic is what I would like to point out, which may appear in my reflective diary.

I am truly looking forward to talk more about designing videogames specifically for education, how to find sources and open source software and games and its practical use in education.