Posted June 2009 Gaming to enhance learning
		There's no denying that today's children love everything there is about digital games. Whether it's Playstation, Wii, the household computer, Nintendo DS or the mobile phone – they all play an important role in the lives of our future generation. So it should be of no surprise why the Sunshine Coast's ICT Learning Innovation Centre is hosting a range of workshops to help teachers understand the ins and outs of using games for learning. Games program coordinator Gayleen Jackson says the workshops, held on 10 and 11 August 2009, will give participants an insight into use of games in the classroom. 'Games are fast becoming highly effective and relevant in learning, and the children love using them,' said Mrs Jackson.

As a nation we spent $1.3 billion on digital games in 2007 alone

'Well designed educational games improve literacy and numeracy, engage students and help build life skills, but they apply multiple intelligences and project-based learning.'

The event will begin with five four-hour long pre-conference workshops featuring presentations about a range of animation software including Machinima, Scratch, Flash CS4, 3D Studio Max and Music in Games.

On day two however, participants will delve deeper and examine why it's so important to incorporate games in learning and just how easy it is to do so.

This is particularly important when figures released by the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia show that as a nation we spent $1.3 billion on digital games in 2007 alone.

'Having digital games in the classroom is the way of the future and as teachers we need to embrace it,' said Mrs Jackson.

It not only makes learning fun for the students but, for the teacher as well.'

For more information about the event, guest presenters or to register, visit the ICT Learning Innovation Centre website.