Scratch

Scratch

The game that I chose from Scratch is called "Speed Math."

1. Learning How

In the game "Speed Math" there isn't really much learning how to play the game. Basically, you look at the basic math fact presented at the bottom and you answer it using the keypad on your computer. This is the basis to the entire game. Yes, quite boring for someone who likes a little more action in their video game, but not totally useless, especially for students in elementary school who are learning basic math facts. This game helps them quickly produce the answer to the math fact provided.

2. Learning What

There really isn't any "learning what" to do in Speed Math, because it's not a complex game that requires a lot of thought, or having to control a character, or build a city, etc. The basics of Speed Math include answering a math problem. If you get it right, then another one appears, if you get it wrong the game stops. From here you can either choose to play again, or pick a different game.

3. Learning Why

There is no game strategy to this game. Like I said, it's a pretty boring game, unless you're a math genius, and enjoying doing repetitive mathematical equations for long periods of time. But, one of the lessons that come from the "why" section of the article is "cause and effect," which can be applied to Speed Math. If you get an answer right, another problem appears, but if you get an answer wrong, the game stops. This shows cause and effect, although not in the most exciting way.

4. Learning Where

No real "where" part to this game either, simply because there's no character to maneuver, or something that needs to be controlled. You're simply answering math problems. The context of the game is simple - answer a math problem, and another will appear, but get it wrong, and the game ends. The game can be repeated over and over until the student is able to rattle off math facts quickly and accurately, but the game will become extremely boring after awhile, since there's no after-thought to the math problems given.

5. Learning When/Whether

"This is the level where game players learn to make value-based and moral decisions - decisions about whether doing something is right or wrong. This level also includes the non-conscious emotional messages that influence these decisions. It is therefore the most controversial of the learning levels." (Prensky, 2002, pp. 7-8) ... The only part of this section that has to do with Speed Math is, "decisions about whether doing something is right or wrong." Speed Math is about right or wrong math answers, but the only consequence for getting a problem wrong is having the game end.

Bibliography

Prensky, M. (2002). What Kids Learn That's Positive From Playing Video Games. 1-15.