Can computer games change the world?

Most of us have preconceptions about computer games. They are usually regarded, mainly by teachers and parents, as waste of time. But children and young adults are obsessed with them and spend more time on playing computer games than on anything else. 

So what can we do? Restrictions don’t seem to work. How about making more meaningful games? Do you think it’s possible?

Read this BBC article about serious games.

While reading the article, try to answer these questions:

1. How are computer games generally regarded?
2. What is the concept behind serious games?
3. Describe the settings of World Without Oil. 
4. How did the players of WWO look at their gaming activity?
5. What roles can you choose in Peacemaker?
6. What was the result of playing the Peacemaker in terms of social relevance?
7. What is the expected outcome of playing Coventry and Warwickshire? Who is the target audience of the game?
8. Why is it important to use innovative techniques in the classroom?

Think through the article again by following the outline of the article:

Three billion hours a week are spent on playing games. -> Can it be given a social relevance?

Examples: 

Direct analysis of the results from a game is rarely fully carried out.

The evaluation of outcomes has been deficient.

Using innovative techniques in the classroom can increase the educational performance.


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A drop in the ocean: Location-aware music

Location-aware music. What might it be? Is it a song collection for a particular public space or a music that is instantly created by a mobile app based on characteristics of a location?

Watch this TED video and find it out.

Pre-listening task

Match the following words with their definitions:

a.) to convey, b.) sonic, c.) to traverse, d.) to unfold, e.) an array of, f.) seamlessly, g.) to be intrinsic to sg

1. of sound or the speed at which sound travels in air
2. being an extremely important and basic characteristic of a person or thing
3. happening without any sudden changes, interruption, or difficulty
4. to express a thought, feeling, or idea so that it is understood by other people
5. to move or travel through an area
6. a large group of things or people
7. If a situation or story unfolds, it develops or becomes clear to other people

Definitions are taken from Cambridge Dictionaries Online.

Now, it’s show time. Watch this TED video and find out more about location-aware music.

After watching the video, try to answer these questions:

• What is the concept behind location-aware music?
• What functionality is needed for this app?
• Why can’t people outside the US listen to this music?

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