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I’ve just created a short demo of XYFlyer: As a note this demo was created for the NYC Schools Gap App Challenge. Here’s my submission: XYFlyer.
December 6, 2012
Here is a quick breakdown of the strategies and methods I’m exploring with Light It Up, a fractions puzzle game derived from the game Refraction. Update Some people have asked me about the differences between Light It Up and Refraction. They are almost exactly the same, but there are some differences. Those differences are described […]
November 8, 2012
I’m currently working on Light It Up, a puzzle game that teaches fraction concepts. It’s based very closely on Refraction, but for various reasons I wanted to create a different version. Currently in this game there is a piece that takes two fractional lasers and adds them together in to one laser. In order for […]
October 4, 2012
I’ve always been a huge fan of Tetris and for a while now I’ve thought the core concept would work great on a touch screen where you could literally grab the pieces and position them appropriately. I looked around but there weren’t any attempts to make a game where you could grab a block and […]
September 27, 2012
There are three main components to puzzle-based learning (or just puzzles in general): A Goal: You are trying to solve some problem and it will be clear if and when you solve it. Feedback Loops: You will get feedback on your progress, helping you determine whether your hypotheses are getting you closer to your goal […]
June 21, 2012
I have a theory that puzzles are essentially practice for the working memory skills we need in order to perform more complicated activities. That’s a mouthful, but what I mean is that in order to perform a complex task, like writing a book or solving a complicated math problem, we need to be able to […]
June 20, 2012
I was just playing around with Motion Math, working on a review for The Puzzle School and I came across one of their games where if you don’t answer fast enough then a pin pops your bubble and you have to start over. I’ve never been a big fan of this type of motivation. It’s […]
June 19, 2012
The concept of failure is very present in modern day education. We use the threat of failure as both a means of motivating, so that you don’t fail, and of filtering, preventing those students who did fail from moving forward. This concept of failure is only part of the picture in the real world, though. […]
June 15, 2012
I’ve started to review some educational websites and apps over at The Puzzle School: http://puzzleschool.com/puzzles The reviews are focused on websites and apps that fit the model of learning I’m trying to promote through The Puzzle School. Namely one that focuses on the intrinsic motivators of challenge, progress through consistent feedback, and a clear goal. […]
June 14, 2012
Gamification is a common buzzword in education these days and for good reason. At it’s heart gamification is very powerful. It strives to make education more enjoyable, mimicking the dedication people see in young and old people toward video games. I would much rather people think more about puzzles, though. There are a number of […]
January 17, 2013
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