Category: Uncategorized

Play, Violence and Learning

In reading “The Benefits of Playing Video Games,” I began to wonder what the definition of “play” is in the context of developmental psychology, and whether or not it should be used with regard to games. It seems like pretend play or physical play are very different kinds of play from rule-based, system-driven game play,… Read more Play, Violence and Learning

Week 5 DQC

After reading From Content to Context: Videogames as Designed Experience,  I am intrigued by what video games may be able to offer educators. According to the authors, “it is critical that researchers examine what players actually do with games, rather than assuming that there is any one ‘game itself’ as it is meant to be played.” This… Read more Week 5 DQC

Final Project Topic

During my observation I learned about a website that makes current events more accessible to students by adjusting reading level and language. I would like to work on a project to make other topics more accessible to students. I was thinking art history would be interesting.

Week 5 Post: "Chocolate Covered Broccoli"

Brenda Laurel coined the term “chocolate covered broccoli” in her 2001 book, Utopian Entrepreneur. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around so much in educational research that it’s starting to lose its meaning. But I really thought it was the perfect term for Granic, Lobel, and Engels’ approach to exploring the possibilities for serious health… Read more Week 5 Post: "Chocolate Covered Broccoli"

Assignment 1 - Monica Yupa

Description: “To make math enjoyable for people who thought it couldn’t be fun” – Coolmath Karen URL: coolmath-games.com Target Age: K-12 Review and Redesign: YupaAssignment1

Review and Redesign- Toca Kitchen 2

Toca Kitchen 2 For my review and redesign I have chosen the application Toca Kitchen 2. This app has over 210,000 downloads only on the iStore and is aimed for children between 3-8 years-old. With an approximate rating of 4.3 stars, this app seems to be extremely enjoyable. The usage of the app is simple:… Read more Review and Redesign- Toca Kitchen 2

Technology Review Assignment

Mobile App: Migraine Buddy Migraine is the most common headache diagnosis in children. The prevalence of migraines increase from 3% in children age 3 to 7 years to 4-11% in children age 7 to 11 and 8-23% in adolescence. Children with migraine average twice as many days lost from school as those without migraine. A… Read more Technology Review Assignment

Tech Review and Redesign

The PBS Peg + Cat Big Gig app, based on the PBS Kids Series by the same name, aims to help kids between the ages of three and six practice counting and math through song. In this reflection, I analyze the positive contributions of the parasocial relationship afforded through the app on a child’s learning… Read more Tech Review and Redesign

Assignment 1: Polly Pocket Review/Redesign

Name:Polly Pocket Wall Party Treehouse Intended audience: ages 4-10 Primary purpose: Play! Adventure with Polly and friends (no educational agenda) Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polly-Pocket-Wall-Party-Treehouse/dp/B0094FZO4E/ref=sr_1_1?s=kids&ie=UTF8&qid=1453977146&sr=1-1&keywords=polly+pocket When I was six year old, one of my most cherished possessions was my Polly Pocket doll. A small, petite, blond plastic toy, Polly evoked my creativity as I conjured up imaginary worlds and adventures.… Read more Assignment 1: Polly Pocket Review/Redesign

Assignment 1: Curiosity Machine

Curiosity Machine A site that exposes students to the design process and design challenges, while providing access to advice from real engineers. URL: https://www.curiositymachine.org/ Focus: “We support parents, STEM mentors and educators to inspire children to build their curiosity, creativity and persistence, one design challenge at a time.” Target Age: K-12 (Seems to be a primary focus… Read more Assignment 1: Curiosity Machine