Games in Schools

		Full report (180 page PDF) - English version
		Full report (182 page PDF) - French version
		Synthesis report (40 page PDF) - English version
		Synthesis report (40 page PDF) - French version

Posted by Alexa Joyce at 05:10 PM | Permalink

The day was concluded by John Dowell (University College London) and Patrice Chazerand (ISFE).

John Dowell remarked the report contains a set of recommendations that are very sound:

• We need exemplars: i.e. how to integrate games in schools? Good practical examples are really inspiring and helpful for teachers to follow
• Should we create a parallel curriculum for 21st century learning? Games can surely contribute. Perhaps on EU level, we need to build such a curriculum?

He concluded by raising the point that some argue from generation to generation that our intelligence is evolving and indeed rising. If this is true, intelligence is also evolving into different forms, such as games and may even be driven by this kind of popular culture.

Patrice Chazerand then ended the conference by remarking that it had been an educational and enlightening experience.

He pointed out: "No single project can answer these questions and Games in Schools is a great starting point."

He also issued a call for action, that participants should try to work together further in the future, and the European Commission Framework programme may provide such an opportunity.

Posted by Alexa Joyce at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The afternoon round table focused on the topic 'Electronic games: shaping their contribution to innovative schooling'. It included contributions from:
- Evelyn Bevort - Centre de liaison de l'enseignement et des medias de l'information (moderator)
- Alton Grizzle - UNESCO Communication and Information section
- Jean Menu - Cite des sciences et de l'industrie / Chamber of commerce of Valenciennes
- Ben Williamson - Futurelab.

Left to right: Evelyn Bevort, Alton Grizzle

Continue reading "Games in Schools conference // round table" »

Posted by Alexa Joyce at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

This session presented the detailed results of the study, and included the following presentations:
- Context of the study: industry perspective - Patrice Chazerand (ISFE)
- Why do we need to know more about the use of games in schools? Marc Durando (European Schoolnet)
- Teacher survey results - Wouter Van den Berghe (European Schoolnet consultant)
- Case studies - Caroline Kearney (European Schoolnet)
- Comparative policy framework - Patricia Wastiau (European Schoolnet)
- Scotland's got game: and is embracing games-based learning! - Derek Robertson (Learning and Teaching Scotland)

Left to right: Wouter Van den Berghe, Patricia Wastiau, Marc Durando, Derek Robertson, Patrice Chazerand

Continue reading "Games in Schools conference // presentation of the study" »

Posted by Alexa Joyce at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Participants could try out various games in the exhibition area. The following consoles were available to be tried:
Sony Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360. Participants could also try the portable consoles Playstation Portable (PSP) and Nintendo DS.

Here are some pictures of participants playing games:

Microsoft Xbox 360

Sony Playstation 3

Nintendo Wii

Sony Playstation Portable

Posted by Paul Gerhard at 03:13 PM | Permalink

Here is a selection of comments and keynotes speeches from participants at the Games in Schools Conference which just opened at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Some 100 experts gather today at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg to discuss the issue of using Electronic games in schools.

The event can be followed live at http://tv.coe.int/webcast.

Continue reading "Games in Schools conference // opening session" »

Posted by Alexa Joyce at 03:08 PM | Permalink

Opening session
Speeches available soon.

How games mesh with formal education
Views from Ministries of Education and National Agencies
Christian Dorninger - Federal Ministry for Arts, Education and Culture, Austria
Claus Berg - UNI.C, Denmark

Games in Schools study
Patricia Wastiau - European Schoolnet, 'Comparative policy framework'
Caroline Kearney - European Schoolnet, 'Case studies'

Posted by Alexa Joyce at 03:00 PM | Permalink

Patricia Wastiau, European Schoolnet, opens the session to present the views of various national Ministries of Education on the integration of games with formal education systems. The two key speakers were Christian Dorninger (Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture, Austria) and Claus Berg (UNI.C, Denmark).

Continue reading "Games in Schools conference // How games mesh with formal education" »

Posted by Paul Gerhard at 10:59 AM | Permalink