Trolling for learners: Game based learning

About eight years ago, a couple of buddies of mine started playing this new game called World of Warcraft.  They would spend hours upon hours questing through a virtual landscape in search of the next big battle or item they could use to level up their characters.  Their obsession with the game at the time was so extreme that they would spend much of their workdays discussing their plans for playing when the workday ended, play it from the time they got home from work to the time they went to bed on the weekdays, and spend twelve to eighteen hours a day playing the game on weekends.  They even bought and sold characters or special items from time to time.  At the time, I considered it to be a complete waste of time and money.  Recently, I was introduced to another group of gamers who try to leverage this type of environment, and possibly the obsessive behavior it may be stimulating, to engage student on a completely different level.  I find their approach fascinating and am very encouraged by their innovative approach to teaching and learning.  This generation of learners, digital natives in a very real sense, challenge teachers in ways we have rarely seen.  In some ways, they seem smarter and eager to learn when you meet them on their playing field.  It makes me want to create a warrior troll and go on a learning quest.

Longing for bygone technology and days

My daily use of technology involves a variety of work and personal routines.  At work I am constantly checking email and a variety of websites related to my work.  In the past, I used electronic manuals while troubleshooting and maintaining aircraft.  Recently, I started incorporating blogs and wikis into our local professional development program.  In my personal life, I also use email for both school and family communications.  I also use Skype from time to time to talk face-to-face with family around the world.  I have found that since I started using a smartphone, I seek more opportunities to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots to watch movies, listen to music, and access the internet.  I have also discovered many apps which are companions to some of my commonly used websites. 

            Sometimes I actually feel too connected to everything and everyone.  When I reported to my new duty station, I was issued a Blackberry so I can be easily reached and access my work email.  Facebook updates, email updates, text messages, you name it and I get it on my fancy new phone.  I am old enough to remember driving home from work with only the radio to keep my attention.  If I needed to make a phone call while driving, I would have to stop and use a payphone.  Many kids today are unlikely to even recognize a payphone.  My generation seems to be the crossover generation.  Like generations before us, we have seen technological advances come in leaps and bounds.  Sometimes I long for the days when we were less connected and less distracted.  It is nice to get away and unplug for a little while by going camping or doing some other outdoor activities.