We started the ENGAGE project about Game based Learning in the beginning of this year. Our primary target group are teachers in schools who are not very experienced with games in general and in particular how to use games for education.
One of the main outcome products is a web portal in which teachers can inform themselves about a wide range of possible games (Online Games Catalogue) and can even be guided to choose the right game for their purposes (Decision Making Tool): www.engagelearning.eu (will be finished in the end of next year)
Rolf Reinhardt, Executive Manager of EFQUEL, is very optimistic about the impact of this project: "Especially since the last years, schools are doing a lot concerning digital education. When I went to school, we had blackboards and chalk, today a lot of schools have already implemented smart boards. I see overall the advantages of this development, since we have to take in consideration that the kids are grown up with electronic devices, web 2.0 and for sure, also computer games."
That computer games are not only for fun but could really support holistic learning processes is proofed by games like "Helios". This game plays on another planet which is in high danger: The energy resources are extremely limited and the player has to be very smart in using a mix of different energy sources to rescue the planet.
EFQUEL did the review for this and several other games. For sure, we are still very open for your suggestions concerning games that teachers could use in school. You may send your propositions to info@efquel.org .
