Travis Schrake

Week 1 Serious Games

05/18/2019
Instructor: Dr. Min Lun Wu

-Serious Game #1: Kahoot!

Kahoot is a game where you create or search for quizzes to test your knowledge over
various topics. I played 5 total quizzes and made one to test the creation interface. The game is a
great tool for student participation. Not only does it have a competitive aspect, but students and
try and outperform their previous scores (known as ghosts). This gives immediate feedback as
well as a clear goal for the student. The best feature of this game is having the option to save
your class response, allowing for quick formative assessment data. The only concern that I have
with this tool is that it’s user generated content can by a double edged sword. It can allow for
quick assessment, but unless you create your own questions they can be off topic. I feel that the
game is used to promote quick, immediate feedback on a skill or concept. It helps drive learning
by creating a since of urgency using a scoring system that is time based.
-Serious Game #2: Win the White House

Win the White House uses simulation and resource management in an effective way to
teach government. In this game you assume the role of a presidential candidate that must choose
diverse topics, party affiliation, and states to become president. Win the White House was my
person favorite of the three, having many qualities of a solid game. Assuming the role of a
student I learned how campaign works and the challenges associated with this role. I also had to
think critically on where I should delegate my resources in order to receive the win condition.
One of my favorite aspects is that you can print off your certificate and profile, enhancing the
emersion of the game.
-Serious Game #3: Free Rice

Free rice is a game with an interesting concept. In this game the student works on various
topics to gain levels. While doing this the company donates rice for each correct response. This
games purpose is to allow for educational questioning using a humanitarian lense. The message
that I took from this game was that there are ways to enhance or supplement learning while
helping others. This could be used in the classroom to help develop a win-win attitude as well as
a desire to aid those in need.