Game-based Learning

The first game I looked at was "The Great Flu,"  which is a micro game.  I thought this game was really interesting, although the set-up was a little confusing at first (there was no in-game tutorial).  It would be best for junior high/highschool students, probably for a biology class, or possible for a social studies or history class.  The game requires you to make a series of choices about how to control a pandemic outbreak of different viruses.  You first choose a virus-- they vary in symptoms, intensity, etc.  You then have to make choices about whether to improve healthcare, isolate individuals, research, etc. in order to control the virus.  Different regions have different needs.  As you go through the game, "news bulletins"  will come up telling you about different events that you must respond to quickly.  The game ends in widespread death or control of the outbreak.  As I explored this game, I really just wanted to stop blogging and play it- which I think is a great sign of how interesting it is! 

The next game I looked at was FloodSim, which had a similar idea to "The Great Flu."  You are required to make a series of decisions over the course of three years about flood policy in the UK.  You have to think about flood defenses, where to build houses, and how to warn your citizens.  My first question when I looked at this game was:  flooding is a serious issue in the UK?  I was not aware of that.   I know in Thailand it is a huge issue (my house was underwater for 2 weeks this year, and I think 40% of Thailand was covered in a once-in-a-lifetime flood this year), but I tend not to think about it as much in western countries.  The game appeared to be based on real-life facts-- such as which areas of the UK are most at risk for flooding, and which areas would have the most damage done if it did flood.  I think this is a great tool for the classroom, again in a history/social studies class, or a science class studying erosion.  I also really wanted to play this game-- it sounds really interesting.

The thing I liked about both of these games was that they could be finished in a fairly short period of time.  Also, they would be a fun option for a homework assignment instead of a traditional report.  I would like to know if there is some way of finding out who has really played the games.  You could also have students record some of their choices and their results to compare with their classmates and discuss the effects of government policy, environmental issues, etc.