Gaming is an interesting way to learn using today’s technology. In the past I have taught Morse code training classes to groups of prospective ham radio operators. We used a grease board and audio tapes to listen to and learn the code. Learning to send was simply just using a Morse code key to send words written on the grease board. A company called Newgrounds.com has created an action game with requires both sending and receiving Morse code in a world war II simulation game. This game encourages accuracy both sending and receiving through the computer keyboard to stay alive and “win the war”! It takes the tediousness out of just sitting, learning code from a series of beeps. It helps learners use the code as a language to communicate with instead of just dots and dashes. You get so wrapped up in the game, you almost forget you’re using Morse code! Of course, that is the idea. To become proficient at Morse code it has to become automatic, just like a spoken language. I am going to try this game during my next training session. This will be very beneficial to help adults learn Morse code in a fun way. Previously, many people struggled with the dry and boring sitting through sessions of audio tapes. More info on this game can be found at: http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/567733.

A key element of gaming education is offering a difficult, complex subject in a fun, interesting, and understandable way. As an example, I will use calculus for the subject. For most of us, this is a complex subject which may seem to have little real world application or need. By creating a game which adults can relate to, these complex concepts can be seen in a new perspective. “Waker” is a puzzle based calculus educational learning game. By solving parts of the puzzle, learners move to more and more difficult mathematical concepts. These are concepts such as position and velocity curves, chains of derivatives, sorting expressions and rules, and simplifying exponential expressions. Just the very terms make me a bit queasy! But “Waker” is an interactive simulation of a dream world that is navigated by using these concepts. I haven’t done calculus in over 30 years, but a few minutes interacting with this game helped me to remember so basic concepts and even apply some new ones! This has direct application to adult learners. Many students going back to college after a lifetime of distractions have difficulty with subjects such as mathematics. Educational games such as these help learners catch on to these subjects in a fun and interesting way. As an adult educator, I would use a program such as this to build foundational mathematics skills, especially as a graduate statistics instructor. For more information, or to try a basic online version, here is the URL: http://gambit.mit.edu/loadgame/waker.php.

A use can be found for a game or simulation in virtually (pun intended!) any subject. These virtual tools can freshen a curriculum and bring a spirit of fun and competitiveness into the classroom!