Games in Education 2014

In June 2014, The Wall Street Journal reported that Internet sensation PewDiePie earned over $4 million from his YouTube channel. PewDiePie -- who boasts over 27 million subscribers -- specializes in a trend called “Let’s Play.” This genre of video is when users record and share voiceovers of video game play. Minecraft videos are among the most popular. Watching others play video games is so popular that YouTube reportedly purchased video game streaming channel Twitch, for one billion dollars.

Having students engage in Let’s Play-style video game screencasts has immense educational implications. This workshop will review the necessary tools for implementation, for computer and for tablets. Many recording tools are free or have low cost options. Let's Play is a seamless way for students to reflect and share what they have learned from problem-solving in video game worlds, as well as explain what they created in sandbox games (e.g., Minecraft, Kerbal Space). The activity itself meets Common Core State Standards, too. The ability to teach and to explain information in an engaging way can make one highly marketable in today’s global economy.