STATE UNIVERSITY of NEW YORK (SUNY) Potsdam
Department of Information and Communication Technology
IT 566 - Teaching and Learning with Simulations and Games
- Course Syllabus -
Dr. Anthony Betrus: Instructor
Summer 2013
Credit: Three semester hours
Time: 8:30-12:45
May 23
May 28, 30 (No Class Memorial Day, May 27)
June 3,4,5,6  
June 10

Location: Dunn 210 and Dunn 399

Purpose: The primary purpose of this course is for the students to acquire an understanding of how simulations and games can be used for instructional purposes. Students will apply their knowledge through creating instructional lessons centered around a simulation or game.

Required Textbooks:
None

Recommended Readings and Resources:
The Ultimate History of Video Games, Steven L. Kent ISBN: 0-7615-3643-4. There are technology requirements (see digital storage below).
What Video Games Have to Teach us About Learning and Literacy By James Paul Gee PALGRAVE MACMILLAN, 2003, pp.225
Other Media: The Discovery Channel: "The Rise of the Video Game" 5 part documentary series. on DVD.
"Got Game: How the Gamer Generation Is Reshaping Business Forever" By Beck and Wade Harvard Business, 2004, pp. 208
"Don't Bother me Mom, I'm Learning." by Marc Prensky, 2006.

Requirements:
Small Scale Instructional/Training Lesson : Students will negotiate a topic for as lesson that incorporates a simulation or game. The lesson must contain three distinct phases, which include: Briefing (5 minutes), Action (15 minutes), and Debriefing (10 minutes) . Students will work in groups of 2 to develop, test, and deliver the lesson. Grade will be based on the professionalism of the materials, delivery of the lesson, and reflections for improvement of the lesson in the future. (25 points)

Medium Scale Instructional/Training Lesson: Same as above, only instructional time will be 10-30-20. (25 points)

Large Scale Instructional/Training Lesson: Same as above, only instructional time will be 20-60-40. (50 points)
 
Attendance: Daily attendance is required of all students, as the content of daily class discussions cannot be obtained in any way other than attending class.
 
Class Participation: Instructor discretion, based on quality of class participation (+/- 5 points)
 
Journals: Students in this class will be encouraged to keep a simulations and games journal. In this journal the students will keep notes on daily simulation and game activities, including in-class and out-of-class activities. (5 points)
 
Technology Requirements: In lieu of textbooks, please reserve $100 for various technology expenses may be incurred during the course of the class.
 
Digital Storage: It is strongly recommended that each student purchase a USB Drive, with at least 4gb capacity. Cloud storagte is also recommended (Dropbox, Cubby, Google Drive, etc...)
 
Optional Lectures/Activities. Each completed optional activity will be worth up to 5 points. The may include guest lectures, gaming sessions, or other activities that will occur outside of regular class time. Students may submit their own ideas for optional activities (1 per student). A minimum of 2/3rds of the class should be available participate in the optional activity.
 
Plagiarism: This course adheres to the College's policy on academic honesty as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. Plagiarism may lead to grade reduction, course failure, or expulsion from school.
 
Students with Disabilities: Any students with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations should speak with the professor as early as possible. Students with disabilities should contact: Sharon House, Coordinator of Accommodative Services at 267-3267, Sisson 112, or e-mail her at housese@potsdam.edu for further assistance. All disclosures will remain confidential.
 
Grading:
Small Lesson (30 minutes) 25 points
Mid-Sized Lesson (1 hour) 25 points
Large Lesson (2 hours) 50 points
90-100 points = A (4.0)
87-80 points = A- (3.7)
83-86 points = B+ (3.3)
80-82 points = B (3.0)
77-79 points = B- (2.7)
73-76 points = C+ (2.3)
70-72 points = C (2.0)
Below 70 points = F (0.0)
 
Course Schedule:
 
Date: Topic:
5/23 Course Introduction/Overview. 

"BINGO" Get to know each other frame game
"Auction" Game
"Prisoners' Dilemma" Game

Choose Topic for Lessons (Grading Criteria for Lesson) (General Lesson Plan Guidelines)
Reading for 5/28: Principles of Using Games for Learning (Betrus & Botturi, 2010)
Optional: Complete "What Kind of D&D Character Would You Be?" Bring a copy of your results to class on Tuesday.
5/28

Teach small scale instructional lessons (Individual). 3 x 1/2 hour presentations (Justin, Jason, Ethan)
90 minute seminar: Topic = Principles of Using Games for Learning. Duscussion leader: Dr. Betrus.
Reading for 5/29:and 5/30 Serious Games parts 1 and 2, TBD

"Mafia" Game
5/29 Serious Games

Sutdents will play "Papers, Please!" and participate in an discussion on Moodle.
5/31 Teach small scale instructional lessons (Individual). 3  x 1/2 hour presentations (Nate, Rachel, Kevin)

60 minute seminar: Serious Games. Eric
60 minute seminar: Gamification.  Ethan
6/3

Ghetto: Instructional Game

60 minute seminar: Game-Based Learning - Tamera
60 minute seminar: Virtual Worlds - Nate

6/4 Teach one hour instructional lessons (Groups of 2). 1 x 1 hour presentation (Nate and Ethan - Constitutional Ammendment Game)

60 minute seminar: Games for Health (Rachel)
60 minute seminar: Violence in Games (Kevin)
6/5 Teach one hour instructional lessons (Groups of 2). 1 x 1 hour presentation (Jason and Rachel - Election Game)
60 minute seminar: Augmented Reality - Jason
60 minute seminar: Live RPGs (Non-electronic) - Justin
6/6 Teach one hour instructional lessons (Groups of 2). 1 x 1 hour presentation (Kevin and Justin - Make your own instrument game)
6/10 Teach two hour  instructional lessons (Groups of 3). 2 x 90 minute presentations

Game Design Structure and Narrative
All materials related to use in the course will be located at the Teaching Educational Games Resources Open Content Wiki
Office Information:
E-mail: betrusak@potsdam.edu
Office: Dunn Hall 393
Phone: (315) 267-2670
This page created 5/22/2013 by Dr. Anthony Betrus.  Last updated 6/3/2013.