The game is only as good as the instructional design

Summary of a Literature Review on The Effectiveness of Instructional Games by Robert Hays | Kapp Notes

It's the learning design that matters. Games are a tool not an outcome.

Free Board Games - Simultaneous Movement

Something for your weekend enjoyment. Take a look at this collection of Free Board Games for two or more players, all with the theme of simultaneous movement -- both players move at the same time. Play can be fast and furious.

Hot Shot Business

Hot Shot Business  The entrepreneurship experts at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the creative team of Disney Online have joined forces on Hot Shot Business, an Internet simulation that allows kids to experience the adventure of starting and running their own businesses. A great basic introduction for everyone.

WebSight Simulation Games

WebSight Simulation Game (pdf) Talking about global economic injustice can seem like "heady" stuff. It’s hard to understand how the global economy works, and it’s even harder to see how it all relates to us  personally. This Simulation game can  help to both understand and make the connection. It will also provoke emotions that help participants to  begin to see how they are part of the worldwide web of the global economy.

The Game is the Medium

In case you thought that games always means something electronic, take a look at this exhibition called Pastimes and Paradigms : GAMES WE PLAY ll Cornell University Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections:

From the site:
"The Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections investigates the evolution of games since 1800...Although they (the games) differ in design and presentation, they share a single message: the game is the medium."

What lessons do you see for designing games for learning?

Friday Fun with Flash Games

Here's some Friday fun. Geoffrey Noles at AE4RV.com has several flash based simulation games you can play online (also available as a download). I played the Nuclear Power Plant Simulation and mostly achieved a plant melt down. Ouch!

Experience The Tragedy of the Commons

The Fisheries Management Simulation Game is an adaptation of the classic computer supported classroom simulation Fishbanks Ltd. developed by Dennis Meadows in the 1970's. The simulation demonstrates the classic tragedy of the commons dilemma played out in fishing in New England. The broader context is sustainable use of environmental resources. The game provides a clear demonstration of the conflicting  pressures involved in sustainable choices.

Online Role Play - Guide Snapshot

Online Role Play - Guide Snapshot This guide covers adopting, moderating and designing online role-play learning experiences. Case studies of several online role plays are underpinned by a number of linked, guides, templates, and checklists plus video clip testimonials from teachers and students. I was skeptical of these until I played one and had an engaging learning experience.

Using Games and Activities for On-Line Learning: Some Basic Principles

Using Games and Activities for On-Line Learning: Some Basic Principles A article by Glen Parker. No high cost simulations here, the article looks at learning games for the rest of us.

BBC - History - Games

BBC Interactive Games--A very interesting collection of games with content from ancient history to the second world war. Includes an opportunity to change history by defeating the British at Waterloo.