March 25, 2009
Computer games can enhance our understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, how does this happen?
Virtual worlds with scientifically accurate simulations could permit learners to tinker with chemical reactions in living cells, practice operating and repairing expensive equipment, and experience microgravity, making it easier to grasp complex concepts and transfer this understanding quickly to practical problems.
Logon to http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/games.shtml have fun with NASA games as you learn more about the earth, space and technology.
Posted by undergrad at 10:21 AM | TrackBack
March 14, 2009
$40 Billion Industry By 2012: Mobile Devices Driving Growth
Communications market researcher TMNG expects the global gaming industry to reach $40 billion in annual revenues by 2012. Mobile devices are driving growth, but so are increased network access, faster broadband speeds, and next-generation gaming consoles.
Read the an article on the gaming explosion @ http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/virtualworlds/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=215900256&subSection=News
And read the TMNG press release @ http://www.tmng.com/MyTMNG/Editor/EditPressReleases/tabid/138/Default.aspx
Posted by undergrad at 1:15 PM | TrackBack
March 10, 2009
Online Gaming See Increase in 2009
While PC remains the mostly widely used Platform for gaming online, console online gaming has seen a significant jump in 2009. Online console gaming is up to 6 percent compared to 2008. XBox360 remains the online console gaming leader, followed by Wii second and PS3 third.
Check out the full report @
http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_090310a.html
Posted by undergrad at 1:24 PM | TrackBack
March 7, 2009
Video games strengthen skill in multi-tasking and visual intelligence. Research proves so.
New Zealand researcher Paul Kearney measured multi-tasking and found that people who played a realistic video game before engaging in a military computer simulation showed a significant improvement in their ability to multi-task, compared with people in a control group who did not play the video game. In the simulation, the player operates a weapons console, locates targets and reacts quickly to events.Read more of this article from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128092341.htm
Posted by undergrad at 1:13 PM | TrackBack
In making computer games more down-to-earth, research has showed that superfast collision calculations will stimulate and visualize character’s movement and interaction with their surroundings in a more realistic manner
ScienceDaily (Mar. 4, 2009) — Computer games are being developed at an ever more rapid pace, and the technical demands are rising, not least regarding graphics boards. At Mälardalen University in Sweden, researchers have now found a solution to a problem that often arises when new computer games are constructed, namely how you can efficiently make sure that the animated figures don’t run right through each other. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304091504.htm
Posted by undergrad at 11:55 AM | TrackBack
March 5, 2009
Games in the Library? ALA offers toolkit for libraries interested in gaming
American Library Association (ALA) has released a toolkit for those libraries interested integrating games into their collection. In addition to the history of gaming, tools for libraries interested in gaming, and best practice suggestions, the library makes a compelling argument for the inclusion of games with in the collections of libraries. Gaming strengthens problem solving, higher order thinking, and technical fluency, according to the ALA.
Check it out @
http://www.librarygamingtoolkit.org/
Gaming news sites like Joystiq and Kotaku have taken noticed of libraries' interest in gaming. Each has published articles on the inclusion and expansion gaming in libraries. Also, take a look some of the comments on these articles. It seems not everyone feels that games belong in the library.
Check them out @
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/american-library-association-goes-gaming/
and
http://kotaku.com/5164768/librarians-explain-why-video-games-at-the-library#c
