I started playing chorewars and it seemed very simplistic, almost too simplistic. If you were to use this in your classroom then you would definitely have to explain it to those who don't play this kind of game. I have played games like this before so I came in prepared even though I have never played this game before.
As a fantasy game I completely approve of this site. Fantasy games just have a way of getting your imagination to go places that you never thought possible. It opens up our minds to new possibilities and makes it seem that the sky is the limit. Because this game is simplistic you have to fill in the blanks with whatever. This open to interpretation gameplay is wonderful for using your mind and this will transfer into real life as well.
In the game you have to make a party in order to go on any quests. At first this was annoying because I didn't have anyone to play with but this was good for two reasons. One it made me consider getting my friends to play and that way we have more to do together. It also made me consider that I could play with random people and increase my social circle by being put into a situation that makes me make new friends. Mcgonigal would definitely approve for this reason alone.
I can see this game building up a sense of leadership in a few students in each classroom. You have to take control of the party to decide what mission you are going to do. In doing this you have to consider your teams strengths and weaknesses. You must also give out the loot from the mission you complete so being fair is key here and teaching your students fairness at any age is a good idea.
As a literature teacher I can see using this in my classroom as a group project type activity. Letting everyone get on and create their characters but taking it a step further. Have the students create backstories for these characters and going into a full length story on how the classes characters interact with one another. I really like this site and can see myself using it in the future.
While I believe you did see the site, there is no evidence here that you read the section from McGonigal's book. It would have answered many of the questions you raise.
ReplyDelete5 XP (could have been 10, if you had read the book)