Skype
I was very very happy to be able to access this weeks activity. Being more organised and not so daunted (by the technology) I started getting ready on Monday, creating an account and downloading the required software. Tuesday night I transferred Skype names into the contacts list ready for Wednesday night. While I was doing this I had some practice calls with others who were on at the same time. Very impressed.
Wednesday night. I think that a lot of people had followed the same plan so there was a lot of text chat prior to the official 8pm kickoff. Tyrone called me up and we had a chat. He was chasing the members of his POD which is Blue and I'm in Violet. Then Ken tried to call and then we got put on hold. This happened a couple of times.
There was a bit of time taken up with people getting used to the technology and how to use it. I did suggest to some of the ladies that we need to use it like it is a CB radio, with the mute so that it is easier to hear what the person is saying. It seemed that Skype may be better utilised by smaller groups. It was also unfortunate that we weren't able to text as the chat was going on, we could do this in other chats.
I did like how our names lit up when we spoke or made a noise. It was very nice to talk to the cohort. If you got really good I can see how it would be possible to have a chat and be texting to others at the same time. Its pretty cool how the computer rings when someone calls.
Overall with more practice by the users I can see Skype being a very useful tool. Quote of the night "drive it like you stole it!!"
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Topic 3 Exercise 2
Mobile computing research
Are online games and social networks worthwhile in education?
Educational value of online mobile games:
• Players may learn because they need to in order to play the game
• Using games to learn can be done subconsciously
* Presenting different points of view, opening minds, helping students to interact with others that they might not normally socialise with.
* They allow the underachievers in a class chance to succeed, compared to traditional teaching methods
• Even some games that might not be considered ‘educational’ can require critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills of the player.
Mobile gaming categories
Overall Top 5 Game Categories (by revenue share)
1. Puzzle/Strategy
2. Action/Adventure
3. Sports/Racing
4. Card/Casino
5. Trivia/Word
Recent statistics
With the new rising ‘Rhythm Game’ genre,the following data regards the hit game for the mobile platform, Guitar Hero III.
How has Guitar Hero III been faring?
- Since December 2007, total purchases of Guitar Hero III have increased each month, making it the most successful game in the ‘Rhythm’ genre
- Guitar Hero III accounts for more than half of Hands-On Mobile’s publisher revenue
Who’s playing Guitar Hero III?
- The game is especially popular with younger gamers, with 75% of purchasers under the age of 25
- 54% of all purchasers were 13-17 years old; by comparison, the age group comprised just 11% of game purchasers across all titles
- Although 60% of all game downloaders are female, Guitar Hero III is popular among both genders, as purchasers are 47% male and 53% female
Comments (on the record) from Eric Puterbaugh, Director of Mobile Media, Nielsen Mobile:
"Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and other rhythm-based games are red-hot right now. The tremendous sales of Guitar Hero III for mobile prove that the popularity of these franchises transcends plastic guitars and living rooms.”
"With 3 additional new songs available for download every month, fans won’t be getting tired of rocking out on their mobile phones anytime soon.”
http://www.nielsenmobile.com/html/press%20releases/MobileGamingStats.html
Are online games and social networks worthwhile in education?
Educational value of online mobile games:
• Players may learn because they need to in order to play the game
• Using games to learn can be done subconsciously
* Presenting different points of view, opening minds, helping students to interact with others that they might not normally socialise with.
* They allow the underachievers in a class chance to succeed, compared to traditional teaching methods
• Even some games that might not be considered ‘educational’ can require critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills of the player.
Mobile gaming categories
Overall Top 5 Game Categories (by revenue share)
1. Puzzle/Strategy
2. Action/Adventure
3. Sports/Racing
4. Card/Casino
5. Trivia/Word
Recent statistics
With the new rising ‘Rhythm Game’ genre,the following data regards the hit game for the mobile platform, Guitar Hero III.
How has Guitar Hero III been faring?
- Since December 2007, total purchases of Guitar Hero III have increased each month, making it the most successful game in the ‘Rhythm’ genre
- Guitar Hero III accounts for more than half of Hands-On Mobile’s publisher revenue
Who’s playing Guitar Hero III?
- The game is especially popular with younger gamers, with 75% of purchasers under the age of 25
- 54% of all purchasers were 13-17 years old; by comparison, the age group comprised just 11% of game purchasers across all titles
- Although 60% of all game downloaders are female, Guitar Hero III is popular among both genders, as purchasers are 47% male and 53% female
Comments (on the record) from Eric Puterbaugh, Director of Mobile Media, Nielsen Mobile:
"Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and other rhythm-based games are red-hot right now. The tremendous sales of Guitar Hero III for mobile prove that the popularity of these franchises transcends plastic guitars and living rooms.”
"With 3 additional new songs available for download every month, fans won’t be getting tired of rocking out on their mobile phones anytime soon.”
http://www.nielsenmobile.com/html/press%20releases/MobileGamingStats.html
Topic 3 Exercise 1
The Battle for Wesnoth
Reflect and report on your own experiences(wait I have to check progress in Wesnoth)(I just upgraded a saw mill and I'm not sure that I really wanted to, I need more cottages for increased population. Lumber seems to be a problem!)
Who would have thought that we would be asked to play a free online game!! I am very glad that Ken suggested that we watch the time...(I'll be back)(Just upgrading a cottage yeh!!)
Again I was skeptical at the beginning of this game but have been pleasantly surprised. It is nice to be challenged mentally (in a fun way), I think that it is what it is all about.
One nice thing about this game is that it gives the beginner 7days or when your town hall reaches level 5, of development time to learn the game and get set up...
The activities are done in 'real time' hence I am waiting to increase my lumber levels as I can't do any more development, dam that saw mill upgrade....
This is the only game that a mate of mine plays. I used to watch him and then I would get bored because I couldn't see the reward for playing Wesnoth, now its a different story. I like it...
Reflect and report on your own experiences(wait I have to check progress in Wesnoth)(I just upgraded a saw mill and I'm not sure that I really wanted to, I need more cottages for increased population. Lumber seems to be a problem!)
Who would have thought that we would be asked to play a free online game!! I am very glad that Ken suggested that we watch the time...(I'll be back)(Just upgrading a cottage yeh!!)
Again I was skeptical at the beginning of this game but have been pleasantly surprised. It is nice to be challenged mentally (in a fun way), I think that it is what it is all about.
One nice thing about this game is that it gives the beginner 7days or when your town hall reaches level 5, of development time to learn the game and get set up...
The activities are done in 'real time' hence I am waiting to increase my lumber levels as I can't do any more development, dam that saw mill upgrade....
This is the only game that a mate of mine plays. I used to watch him and then I would get bored because I couldn't see the reward for playing Wesnoth, now its a different story. I like it...
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