Hello Fila-friends – and welcome to What’s New in Game-Based Learning! Each month, this series highlights some of the biggest news stories from the realms of game-based learning, serious games, and AR/VR in education. Check out our April 2020 selections below, and let us know on our Facebook or Twitter if we missed any stories that you feel would be worthwhile additions to our list!
Yup, you read that right – teaming up with companies like Activision Blizzard and Riot Games, the World Health Organization recently launched their #PlayApartTogether campaign, aiming to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging individuals and families to stay at home, play video games, and practice social distancing guidelines. Gamers are often tasked with playing as “heroes” in video game worlds – but for perhaps the first time ever, all of us can now be real-life heroes by staying home, playing video games, and helping save lives! [READ MORE]
Bringing his game-based learning expertise to USA Today readers, this all-new article from Greg Toppo details many of the social and cognitive benefits of video game play among kids – citing a host of high-quality educational games including our own You Make Me Sick! Urging parents to take advantage of this quarantine by connecting with their kids through video games, Greg discusses how well-crafted learning games can help provide young learners with key feelings often not associated with school learning, such as feedback, flow, fantasy, and freedom. [READ MORE]
Learning via simulations is hardly a new concept in medical education – but thanks to advancements in VR, medical schools and hospitals are discovering that the technology can serve as a cost-effective alternative to traditional teaching methods. Drawing on real-world examples from VR medical software providers Oxford Medical Simulation and Osso VR, this article from The Guardian explores how UK-based institutions such as Cardiff University and St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust are using virtual reality to help students – along with trained doctors – practice key scenarios virtually, in a way that is far cheaper and “much more engrossing” than other simulation methods. [READ MORE]
If you’re reading the Filament Games blog, it’s likely that you’re pretty acclimated to the world of video games. But for those of us with non-gamer family and friends who suddenly have a lot of extra time on their hands, now is the perfect time to introduce them to the world of gaming. To help with this, The Washington Post has put together a beginner-friendly guide to getting started with video games – featuring helpful tips and tricks for prospective players across all platforms and preferred ways of playing. And if you’re still in need of further guidance, the New York Times recently released a gaming guide of their own – there’s never been a time to introduce non-gamers to the magic of video games! [READ MORE]
With schools across the globe shuttered due to COVID-19, education companies are scrambling to make their resources available for free to districts, schools, and families in need of high-quality digital learning materials. Last month, we released a roundup of all of our freely available learning games – but that’s simply a start. To help organize these offerings, EdTech news source THE Journal has compiled a massive list of free educational resources, which they are regularly updating with additional offerings – check out their list, and be sure to let us know if you found any resources applicable to your needs! [READ MORE]
Miss last month’s roundup? Check out our March 2020 recap here!