Cats, Portals, Distributed and Situated Learning (IP#1)

In his article "Cats and Portals," James Gee contends that playing video games gives players a special kind of learning experience known as "situated learning," in which players gain knowledge through hands-on experience in a particular circumstance or environment. He asserts that since they frequently require players to solve complicated riddles and hurdles in order to advance in the game, video games are especially excellent at teaching complex problem-solving abilities. Gee also points out that a "portal" feature seen in many video games, which transports players to another universe or reality, can be used as a teaching tool to aid students in exploring and comprehending difficult ideas.

This method of learning is different from traditional learning, which is often abstract and theory-focused. Also, learning via games and puzzles can help students focus on iterative learning, trial, and error as well as be interactive and engaging at the same time.

How can teachers successfully include video games in the classroom to fully utilize their educational potential?

In "Games as a Distributed Learning System," James and Elisabeth Gee explore the potential of video games as a teaching aid. The author makes the case that playing video games gives players a special kind of learning experience known as "distributed learning," in which players gain knowledge through hands-on practice, independent investigation, and problem-solving within a particular setting or situation. The article also emphasizes how video games may be utilized as a learning aid because they enable players to acquire new abilities and knowledge and apply them in various situations, which is a crucial aspect of distributed learning.

The authors contend that learning new skills and knowledge through playing video games makes players more adaptive, versatile, and able to use them in a variety of situations. The article also emphasizes how video games may be an effective teaching tool since they offer players a motivating, interactive, and immersive environment that can encourage innovation and teamwork.

How might the distributed learning techniques used in video games be applied to the building of more successful and interesting educational initiatives outside the framework of gaming?

The concepts put out in James and Elisabeth Gee's books "Cats and Portals" and "Games as a Distributed Learning System" support the use of video games as a teaching tool. The latter, on the other hand, emphasizes the principles of "distributed learning" applied in video games which allow players to develop new skills and knowledge and apply them in different contexts, making them more versatile, transferrable, and adaptable. The former emphasizes the role of video games in teaching complex problem-solving skills and the use of "portals" to explore and understand new and complex concepts.