Eat Candy, Win Prizes!
What’s old is new again, and I’m not talking about Cracker Jacks. They never went away, and neither did the “prize” inside. The old and new that I’m talking about is gamification – the application of game mechanics and techniques to make <insert your site, mobile app or product here> more fun, engaging, popular and […]
Using Social Media and Game Mechanics Improve Learning
Do you hear what I hear? After reading Social Networking in Schools on the Huffington Post today, I recognized that nearly every project I’ve worked on over the past year has pointed towards a new round of convergence — a mash-up of social media, mobile media, game mechanics, assessment, and various forms of blended or self-directed study in […]
Trolling for Leeches, Netting Moths & 4th of July Fireflies
My fireworks this 4th of July were following naturalists E. O. Wilson, Peter Alden and 150 others around with a video camera as they tried to identify at least 2009 species within the confines of Walden Woods – the towns of Concord, Carlisle and Lincoln, Massachusetts on Walden Biodiversity Day. We won’t know how many […]
Virtual Play Patterns
My colleague Scott Traylor of 360 Kid regularly writes thoughtful and timely pieces about kids, toys and digital media, and his latest article for the May 2009 issue of Playthings Magazine is no exception. What Works For Virtual Play? – Questions to Ask About Web-enabled Toys takes a deep dive into play patterns of toys […]
Serious Games Showcase
Serious games and simulations embrace subjects as diverse as health care, emergency preparedness, world history, algebra, ethics, emotional intelligence, team building. Thanks to Eliane Alhadeff for showcasing some of this diversity in these slides.