I have been in discussions with some local authority partners about the possibility of establishing a computer games league that would involve schools either visiting each other to compete or for them to play via an online connection. There are a huge range of games that we could use to do this: Mario Kart, Wii Sports, Dance Mats, Pro-Evolution Soccer, Singstar...I'm sure that you could think of many of your own
The inspiration for this could easily be drawn from events such as the Games Olympics that are about to begin in Paris. I'm sure that, as I found when running the school football team, that this type of activity could really help engender that sense of belonging to the school by those picked, it may motivate kids to play the game in the school if they wanted to play for the school and it also helps to bridge the gap between what learners do at home and what they do in school.
This sounds like a great (and fun) idea!
Should there be a basic spec for games/platforms to be used... and how about handhelds?
How about a specific competition (along the lines of the debating ones that my school currently takes part in) with heats leading up to a national final with some really big prizes (if we could persuade the Games companies to get involved?) Failing that, would a session at the Consolarium be seen as a suitable prize?
This has immense potential...
Posted by: Neil Winton | July 06, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Couldn't agree more Neil! A visit to the Consolarium...now there's a prize worth winning!
Posted by: Derek | July 06, 2007 at 12:58 PM
This is a great idea. How do we make it work?
Posted by: Gordon McKinlay | July 06, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Derek found this post http://kotaku.com/gaming/xbox/physical-education-final-twilight-princess-269626.php about a PE teacher in an American school setting up a gaming tournament in a PE lesson. I dont know if I am all that comfortable with the idea of these active games replacing genuine activities in a PE lesson. I would also question whether the children were being physicaly educated. However you can't argue with the fact that the pupils find them engaging and I am certainly not writing off the use of this technology. I am convinced there is a place for gaming in education and would like to explore the potential and viability of applying this within physical education. Like the idea of a gaming olympiad in schools especially if the staff could join in.
Posted by: The Digital Drilly | July 07, 2007 at 02:22 PM
@Digital Drilly: You need to try the Wii... I haven't sweated as much in years! But I agree that it should not be taking the place of PE as such...
@Derek: Are we skirting around the obvious here, ie. we are waiting for someone to say, 'OK, let's do it' and to start the organisation... if so, how much input would you be able/willing to put in? I'd certainly be willing to help out with ideas and a limited bit of time (I'm going to be very busy next year)... I can certainly write letters etc, and have some experience in participating in National school contests which gives me some ideas about what is involved...
Are we going to see if this idea has legs? If so, can I suggest that we set up a wiki to kick around ideas?
(If I'm being too pushy, please tell me to shut up!)
Posted by: Neil Winton | July 07, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Neil I have tried the wii and many other of the play station games and I dont deny you can get a physical work out from them but that is physical activity not physical education. Read a few more of my thoughts on the subject here http://drilly.wordpress.com/2007/07/07/exergaming-fad-or-fit-for-purpouse/
and here http://drilly.wordpress.com/2007/07/07/fizzees/
Posted by: The Digital Drilly | July 08, 2007 at 12:55 AM
Derek
We started our gaming league last year in Shropshire, unfortunately the inter-schools matches didn't occur after the lead teacher in one of the two schools left. Next Tuesday I am meeting with teachers from five schools to move the league forward. We will be using xbox 360's with Live accounts so will play games at each others schools and online.
If you would like to have a few cross border games via xbox live get in touch and we can decide on titles etc.
Steve
Posted by: Steve | July 08, 2007 at 03:52 PM
Steve,
Thannks for that. I was searching your blog for info on your school leahue as I knew you were doing it. Will give you a bell to pick your brains. Cross border challenge sounds great..then Europe then World schools championship!
Neil/Gordon
Let's make this happen...will be in touch to discuss how to take it forward. I'm thinking start small then grow, at the moment, but am open to ideas.
Drilly
Don't ever think games can replace the real thin in terms of exercise but my interest lies in getting active participation from players in games where there may not be any exercise in its 'real' sense ie, dance mats for girls. Although Wii tennis is something once you reach pro-level (he says smugly).
Posted by: Derek Robertson | July 08, 2007 at 11:02 PM
I'm looking forward to hearing from you! I've got a few ideas that might just bring a smile to your face. And I'll even throw in a Joni Mitchell lesson for free!
Posted by: Neil Winton | July 09, 2007 at 09:55 PM
Hi,
Nice article......Its really wonderful idea, everyone can try out ......
Posted by: r4 sdhc | July 01, 2009 at 12:55 PM