WEEK 10.

EDUTAINMENT
Your name: Rachel Dodds
Game (indicate the name + web link if applicable):
Roller Coaster Tycoon 3: Platinum
In which subject area/content would you use this game?
Math/Science/Business/Computer Classes
In the article youve read for this week, the authors describe two emergent groups of
psychological and physiological effects that games can claim. Each of these two
categories have sub-categories, such as practical skills, cognitive skills, motivation, or
social skills. Some of these can be either positive or negative. Based on the graph on
p.37, evaluate the claims of the game you chose in relation to its effects on learning.
(please note that there is no right or wrong answer, as long as your explanation is
justified).
GAME CLAIMS: Psychological or Physiological? (indicate which category you think your game fits in.
Justify using information from the article and examples from the game itself):
The games fits into the Physiological category because players learn practical skills, which is
important practical skills refer to learning in games that contribute directly to the development of
skills that are applicable to the real world or authentic settings (Foster 36). The practical skills that
players learn in the game are money management through running your own theme park, meeting
financial goals, and budgeting. Students also learn about physics and science when creating their
own rollercoasters. This game also supports cognitive skills because players learn the skills
mentioned, while playing the actual game. Motivation can also be included because the players are
intrinsically motivated to meet the goals and checkpoints of the game before they run out of time.

GAME CLAIMS: Subcategories? (pick at least one subcategory that your game relates to. Justify using
information from the article and examples from the game itself):
(Three subcategories were mentioned above)

GAME GENRE (explain which genre your game fits in: action, fighting, role-playing, simulation, strategy,
rhythm/dance, parlor, adventure, sports, and platform games. Justify using information from the article and
examples from the game itself):
Roller Coaster Tycoon 3: Platinum! fits into the category of simulation and strategy because
players must run their own theme park and strategize which choices to make regarding prices and
budgets in order to meet the goals. This game focuses on a genre with skills to encourage
planning and skill resource management to achieve victory (Foster 44).

CONTENT: Describe how you would use the game in your classroom:
This game could be used in a classroom with older children to focus on math skills, science,
business skills, or just a computer class. I feel that this game would be most useful in a classroom
where the content was focusing on finances and meeting budgets. This could be a great way to
learn by doing in the classroom, by playing this game.

Participation points: Based on the articles discussion on p.42-43, provide a brief analysis of the game
you chose from a TPACK perspective (remember that TPACK is about your knowledge as a teacher. In this
case, explain how using this game brings together your technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge,
and content knowledge).
This game brings together the technological knowledge of using a computer and how to play a
game, while still teaching valuable financial skills relating to the content that is being learned in the
classroom. I believe that from a TPACK analysis, this game could be useful in the classroom under
certain conditions, where it is connected with the content that is being taught.