#Gee'sLearningPrinciples

[mitchellehk-blog]

Video Game Storyboard - EDUC104E

Our video game is a cooking and finance game directed towards 2nd graders in order to help them practice their subtraction and addition skills. This mathematical topic is a subject that students tend to struggle with during their K-12 schooling, which is why practice is important. The game begins with the user being prompted to select ingredients and tools to complete an order, such as fries and a fryer. The user is then expected to tap and swipe on the game in order to complete the “cooking” aspect of the game. The “finance” aspect comes after the user is done cooking an order, and is getting ready to charge the customer for their order. The customer offers cash to the cashier, and it is the user’s job to return the correct amount of change back to the customer. If the correct amount of change is returned after a certain amount of rounds, the user will be rewarded with praise and a new menu item to make the game more interesting and challenging. Our video game includes scaffolding in the sense that there is a tutorial at the beginning in the form of arrows to help guide the user. After the tutorial, the user is expected to replicate what they learned from the tutorial. If the user needs help after the tutorial, helpful hints and tips will be offered after a minute of inactivity. Our video game addresses Gee’s learning principles by incorporating sub-aspects of each principle within the game. Gee’s learning principles include “Empowering Learners,” “Problem-Based Learning,” and “Creating Deep Learning.” The “Agency” aspect of “Empowering Learners” is displayed when the user is prompted to select certain ingredients and tools for an order. By having the responsibility to choose the correct ingredients and corresponding tools, the user is enforcing the idea that they are a co-designer in the game. The “Well-ordered Sequencing” and “Information” aspects of “Problem-Based Learning” are demonstrated in the game by the user being guided through their duties with the tutorial, helpful hints, and tips. The user progresses through the game in steps that require a sequence, and when the user is stuck they are provided information to help them move forward. The “System Thinking” aspect of “Creating Deep Learning” is explored throughout the game by its journey. The user is challenged not only to implement mathematical knowledge and practice, but to also follow directions and a certain way of completing a job. The goal of completing an order can only be completed if the user completes all the steps properly, thus it is important that the user follows directions with precision.