Games in Education 2015

Implementing a video game in a classroom setting can be a challenging enterprise. Teachers have to consider technology, standards, assessments and buy-in from parents and administrators. This session will look at the journey to implement the award-winning video game Gone Home in a senior high school class. Although the game was used as a text in an English class, the experience will be universalized as a template by which teachers can find and implement meaningful games to whatever subject and age group they teach.

Using the Gone Home experience as a model, attendees will learn how to choose a commercial game for instructional purposes, some pointers to develop assessment strategies, and how to address any potential resistance from parents and/or school administration. There will also be a discussion on the importance of developing partnerships with research communities, and sharing successes and failures with other educators. Complete lesson outlines and resources will be made available to any teacher who would like to specifically use Gone Home in a middle school or high school setting.