Training Teachers on the use of Modding to Integrate Games in the Classroom
Abstract: This paper discusses a Multimedia and Instructional Courseware Design course that explores the modification (modding) of gaming tools to support learning. Thirty-six Educational Technology in-service teachers were enrolled in the course. As the teachers examined uses of a variety of multimedia, authoring, and game modding tools applications across grade levels and content, they planned, designed, and created a content-rich interactive courseware product using DDDE model (Ivers and Barron, 2011). Teachers at the end of the course created a product that would be applicable to their course content. The teachers learned the concept of modding and developed a computer game over a period of 5 weeks using Game Salad. The evaluation of the product (upon implementation in their classroom) included curricular relevance, adaptation to learners and learning environments, usability, and integration applicability. A survey was administered to students in the course to assess their perception of the effectiveness of the implementation of modding tools in their classrooms.