Monday, March 25, 2013

Grateful and Encouraged



Since I started this project, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know some amazing people:  Shane_Danger, Mr. Krispy Kreme, Weirdy Beardy, The Pocket Moon guys (John and Tom), Leklack, the LBP Community team.  You are all amazing and I am blessed to have met you.  Last week something new happened, a website called Little Big Journey, run by PSN screen names ApertureNOBLE and Breezy-The-Pro, did something amazing.  They challenged Little Big Planet creators to take this game we enjoy so much and apply a purpose: learning.

It is an astounding read that truly asks creators, and anyone really, to go beyond themselves and give time doing something that they enjoy to potentially be there to help future generations learn.  I have to admit, I have given consideration to what Little Big Planet would look like if it were applied to education and there certainly is a niche for people who use gaming as the back drop for learning.  If you have never seen it, look at what the people at ExploreLearning are doing by using great games to teach math fluency.  They even apply concepts of leveling, achievements, and use of avatars to encourage students to keep playing. It is brilliant, and my students really enjoy it.

That is the thing.  There is a built-in audience here.  They are hungry to play AND learn.  If we give them something they will do it, and enjoy it.  There hasn't been a day where I plug in one of the PS3's that my students don't say "Little Big Planet, YES!"  They want it and that is what makes this whole thing worth every second.    

Readers, friends, family, I thank you for your encouragement.  Breezy, Aperture, thank you both.  You two are amazing and your web site really cool.

Have a great week, all.


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