I’ve been having a bunch of interesting conversations about gaming in school libraries with the folks in different offices at my new job.
The general response from many is that they don’t see how a gaming console like the Wii connects to any learning, and it certainly does NOT belong in a school library. After all, school libraries are known for their books, and quietness. All together now: “Shhhhhhhh!”
Armed with a few statistics from Marc Prensky’s and Eli Neiberger’s research, I’ve been able to successfully defend and justify the purchasing and placement of Nintendo Wii’s in school libraries. I found it necessary to pull together the most important talking points into a one page document for all the non believers out there. It’s not the cleanest looking document out there, but it’s the first of its kind…at least that I know of.
Feel free to use it, modify it, give me feedback on it and make it your own. I’m going to become a member of the LibGamers forum on Google Groups. It’s becoming the place to get ideas, gather materials and continue the conversation on gaming in school libraries.
This document is awesome! i am going to present it to the next PTA meeting and hopefully the school board will finally take me seriously!
Comment by Scott Helnes — August 4, 2008 @ 7:14 pm |
i fully agree that game consolesare not specificaly done on a limited purpose. it’s particular or major goal is to lure gamers but it is still a sort of an educational stuff that could be used for learnings just as long that it is used wisely. the interactivity wii possesses could certainly hone students to take part in interactive learning. There arfe various educational games availablie in different Wii downloads Sites too choose from so it’s not a shot-on-the-moon thing.
Comment by Allan Mitz — February 14, 2009 @ 2:19 pm |
Wow, thank you for sharing your document about Wii in the library and connecting it to standards. I am in the midst of applying for a small local grant and this information is fine tuning my thinking!
Comment by Angela Boccuzzi-Reichert — February 25, 2009 @ 7:54 pm |
You can also include the science educational value of the wiimotes. Aside from the Johnny Chung Lee smartboard hack which a group of grade 6 students at my kids’ school have put together, we are looking at using the accelerometer data over a standard bluetooth interface to a PC. Using a simple excel SS you can demonstrate V=at, D=at^2, etc…
Comment by vladhed — February 27, 2009 @ 2:13 pm |