Does Math Matter?Yes, it does!

Today’s Agenda

• Introduction• Why Gaming?• How you can integrate gaming into your

classes• Demonstration of game and game elements• Why do I need to know math?

– It’s been a long time since I took Algebra!– How can I possibly use games with math in

my classroom?

• Planning

Grant Initiative

• Awarded in January, 2007• Partnership between ECSD and UWF• Support/Evaluation

– Career and Technical Educators– Information Technology Experts– Instructional Technologists/Designers– Faculty: Computer Science, Chemistry,

Physics, Mathematics, Instructional Technology

– Students: Computer Science, Instructional Technology, Middle School Testers

What’s it all about?

• Aligning Standards to Content• Promoting Career Education• Supporting Math Performance• Motivating Students to Pursue Advanced

Math Studies• Implementing Innovative Instructional

Strategies• Using Technology to Engage Students

Aligning Standards to Content

• Math 7-8 Grade Algebra Standards

• Career Standards

Promoting Career Education

• Knowledge is Power• Opportunities• Job Requirements• Academic Requirements• Workforce Development

Partnerships

Supporting Math Performance

• Aligned to FCAT Math Standards

• Practice• Practice• Practice• Relevance• Fun

Motivating Students to Pursue Math

• Relevance of Math to careers

• How is math used in careers?

• Answer the question: “Why do I need to know Algebra?”

Implementing Innovative Instructional Strategies

• Using instructional materials aligned to standards

• Building exciting learning environments

• Developing learning communities

• Presenting content in different ways

• Meeting students where they are

Using Technology to Engage Students

• Develop– skills used in the workplace (problem-solving,

troubleshooting)– collaborative skills– research, planning, and organizational skills– presentation and speaking skills

• Synthesize and analyze complex content• Express ideas in creative ways

You’ll be asked … WHY GAMING?

• Students learn best when they are entertained and can use their own creative skills (Carlson, 2003)

• Motivation, communication, problem solving, teamwork, creativity (Jenkins, 2003; Morton, 1998; Tews, 2001)

• Fun helps to make learning enjoyable, compelling, and effective (Prensky, 2001)

• Competition is creative and enjoyable (Akilli, 2006)• Intrinsic motivation – self-regulation (Reiber, 1996)• Increases motivation and eagerness for learning (Malone, 1987)• Fantasy increases enthusiasm (Malone, 1987)• Interactive feedback (Gredler, 1994; Prensky, 2001; Reiber, 1996)• Engross learner, focus and reward (Prensky, 2001)• Models use of gaming in the “real world” (Gee, 2005; Prensky, 2001)• Complex problem solving skill practice, involving manipulation of

patterns and objectives (Pivec, Dziabenko & Shinnerl, 2003; Jenkins, 2003)

Why now? Why in CTE?

• In 2007, high school freshmen must declare major

• 7-8 grade students participate in CTE classes to introduce them to the 16 career clusters and individual careers

• Showcase importance of math in careers – promoting advanced math studied

• Continue efforts to improve math performance

What about assessment?

• Games are introductory/exploratory, but …

student strengths and weaknesses in math and career content knowledge can be

determined through program reports available for each student

Game Elements

• Direct Instruction– Career Introduction– Player Biographies– Job Aids– Summaries– 3 Levels

• Expert Interaction– Video Vignettes– Non-Playing Characters

• Enrichment– Career Information Portal– Supplemental Instructional Strategies (WebQuests, Games,

Websites with Career Information and Teacher Lesson Plans)– Trading Cards

Career Clusters Covered

• Architecture and Construction• Finance, Business Management, and

Administration• Health Science• Information Technology• Law, Public Safety and Security• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering

and Mathematics)

Introducing … the games …

• Providers• Sustainers• Outbreak Unknown• Towers of Zahlen

Providers

Members of an elite group called the Providers collect fuel cells found at mathematically coded locations in the galaxy for the reactor which is low on fuel cells. Each level introduces different coordinate locations, equations, and navigation obstacles.

Sustainers

As franchise owner of Stellar Telecom Company, you must restore and expand the telecommunication framework within the colonies on a space station. Once the tasks are completed you will then earn a salary to reinvest in your business.

Outbreak Unknown

As part of a team of scientists, you find an antidote for a virus attacking plants and causing giant mutations.

Towers of Zahlen

An adventure game set in a world of mathematical towers where you engage the help of subject matter specialists, solve problems to unlock doors, and avoid traps to restore harmony.

Implementation

• Field Testing – Fall, 2007– Materials

• Curriculum Guide• Brochures• Trading Cards

– With students– Teacher Evaluation– Implementation Strategies– Online Learning Community

• Grand Unveiling – Spring, 2008

What’s Next

• Equipment is in (computers for each school)• Final games will be delivered in August and

September• Website/listserv• Continued evaluation

– Your thoughts/ideas/suggestions– Best practices for using games in CTE

classrooms– Your student’s responses

Your task – by the end of the day …

• Consider how you’re going to integrate the games

• What information do you need to help you? Share that with us … watch for suggestions on the website and through email

Math Matters Website: Communication Central

http://uwf.edu/mathmatters

And now … the demonstration begins

• Sit back and see an example of the game in action!