I found the Aldrich interview interesting. I liked how he analyzed the terms, “Learning to Know, To Be, To Do.” I also strongly agree with the Acton Business Model that allows simulations with quite a bit of trial and error. His breakdown of game design mechanics, I found the most valuable due to our goal this month. Some of the take always were working with microcosims, a mentor type character, an engaging, yet serious, and simple design that is cost-effective. These are things I not only want to identify in the game I am playing, but also the game I will be designing.
As for Kapp, I found Blog Book Tours intriguing, but not real useful for the goal of this class.
As for Sims, I find them an exciting tool to enhance education, not really to replace anything. They are excellent to help students practice skills where results may be hazardous, such as medical practice or chemistry. I even find them useful where results might be unethical.
I selected Sims Social as my game to begin playing on Facebook due to its similarity to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. However, I selected one person at random (I apologize if it is you, Beatrice) to be mean to.
I scare her with spiders and pea on her garden plots. I want to see the results of this unethical behavior. I hope we get far enough in character traits in the game before Monday so that I will have more insight.
