Saturday, October 17, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Vlog#7 Multimedia: Gamestar Mechanic
This week I was introduced to Video Game creation in my multimedia class. As soon as I read the assignment for this week, I panicked: "Students will be creating a 5 level video game using Gamestar Mechanic". Wow, I thought. This is going to be challenging. That was an understatement. In order to be able to publish a game in Gamestar Mechanic you have to complete 5 different missions with multiple levels each. Well, here I go, how difficult can it be to play video games? What's all this fuzz about video games?!
I am not a game video game player. I am not that old but let's say that PacMan and Mario Brothers were a must when I was growing up. I tried video games and I was never proficient at them. Since I did not experience success, I quit. I saw no purpose. Well, my opinion about video games has changed. There is actually a set of skills, knowledge, and abilities required to be successful at playing video games. My 12 year old summarized it: I told him I was frustrated because the evil spirits were too fast and my avatars were getting killed. "They are too fast", I said. My son responded: "Mom, I think you are too slow!" He is right. I am officially considered a digital immigrant. I have a digital accent- there are certain skills I lack and in regards to video games, and just like with spoken language, there are certain sounds my tongue just can't and won't pronounce right. My digital accent in video game playing is my inability to quickly do eye- hand coordination motions to achieve proficiency in gaming.
How is this important in technology integration? It seems to me that in the 21st century, it is important for teachers to remember who we are in the digital world. Don't force it. Approach technology with lots of practice, practice, practice. Be willing to recognize that you have a digital accent and others will notice that you are not a native. Accept with pride that there will be things you will not do right and that others might have a hard time understanding your point or your frustration. Nevertheless, just like when speaking a foreign language, accents are beautiful and identify you for who you are. Admit when you need help from others and don't take the corrections or feedback too personal. Integrate technology to the best of your abilities and show grit. Keep at it and have fun in the process!
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Vlog #6 Multimedia: Playing Around with Virtual Reality
It is truly amazing to realize how much there is to discover in the area of Augmented Reality (AR) and its uses in the classroom. This week I played around with several AR apps that are fun and that can be educational. My professor Joe Marquez showed us how to use Anatomy 4D, Quiver Vision 3D coloring, Elements 4D, and some other fun apps to create special effects such as Green Screen Apps. There is so much to discover that I decided to try out two apps in my classroom: Anatomy 4D and Quiver Vision Coloring.
I recommend that teachers explore AR apps in the classroom for fun and then decide which ones may have a practical application in the classroom. I believe learning has gotten more interactive and engaging with all that AR apps have to offer. Here is a Vlog I created to show my excitement about AR apps and a sample of students' excitement when they were playing: around with AR in the classroom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)