Day 7 Games, the "Magic Square" and back to Art Therapy...

Games, games, games... Saw the game my brother played when he visited me with his then pregnant girlfriend, son has been born and living a happy healthy life. We integrated with a class in session with whom we share the computer lab. Games like Civilization V, Where on Earth is Carmen San Diego?, Civil War simulators, etc. were made available. Was fun for something spicy for the kiddies to do in both my STEM and U.S. History classes. I think my former students may be jealous of the activities my new students will experience. Making a game using EXCEL was unique and a worth while experience dependent upon regular usage and application (if you don't use it, you lose it!). The instructor is quite knowledgeable of the many tricks and short cuts for successful game making.Earthcam.com very cool site that takes you to various locations around the world and you can see live people/events as they take place. Making more progress with my "artwork" today w/ Mrs. Latham. Not feeling very artsy but if we were doing some computer graphic design I'd be all up in that piece runnin' the show, you know how WE do! Everyday is pretty good useful information and thankfully it's warming up outside so I'll take the motorcycle out for a spin around Starkville. Earlier today an instructor asked me about being at Wendy's yesterday. I was like how'd you know I was there? She said my motorcycle gave me away... People even take pictures of my bike with their cell phones when I'm parked for too long. Ok so wrapping up today as far as games and simulations, I think they can be helpful supplements but not meat of instruction, more like dessert. Creating games isn't as extremely complicated as one might think. If you're patient and determined and creative you can come up with some snazzy stuff ;). As far as things that are readily applicable to teaching, I'd have to say excel game making, especially since most game templates can be found online for FREE! The other would be the Earthcam site as a means of readily exploring different parts of the world as they currently thrive. Comparisons and contrasting can be made in a matter of moments. The learning just don't stop here in GAETI land... See you tomorrow for more info. Ms. Huang gone today we'll see who coming to teach us sweathogs tomorrow...