Learning Arcade

CYFAR conference-goers have the opportunity to get their hands on some of the newest technologies, such as educational games, blogging, exergames, Second Life, and more. This year's arcade will be held during the program showcase in the Regency Ballroom and in the Computer Lab in the Rio Grande Center Ballroom. Visit both rooms to be sure that you experience it all.
 
Come experiment with engaging technology, share ideas with others on how to use these technologies in your programs and to have some fun. Remember, e-learning games and participatory technologies are not just for the youth. The CYFAR Conference offers a safe, embarrassment-free space for adults to get hands-on experience and learn how to use these technologies. At the arcade, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Experience Second Life and learn to fly
• Exercise the fun way with Nintendo’s Wii and other state-of-the-art exergaming equipment
• Get program ideas, advice and answers to questions
• Discuss, with both peers and experts, opportunities to integrate the learning, fitness, and technology aspects into your program
• Pick up handouts to support implementation of these ideas and activities in your program for activities you can take home and do.

Don’t sit down!

Many aspects of today’s technology get you on your feet. Check out the exergames section where we blend learning with fitness: get your sports fix with golf and tennis on the Nintendo Wii, or dance the night away with DDR (Dance, Dance Revolution) and other movement applications. Then explore program ideas that have you walking the streets while you learn your community and your world with digital photography, video, GPS, cellphones, iPods and other hand-held technologies.

When you just can’t experience it in your real life – simulations can come into play and learning. Simulations provide unique opportunities to build skills and experience roles– from piloting a plane to planning a city, managing a community service project or political campaign, to creating a new world and its government. We’ll showcase a variety of the most popular educational software simulations, such as FlightSim and SimCity, the online simulations such as FoodForce and PowerPolitics, and give you an opportunity to interact and perform with other learners in SecondLife.

A key part of learning is sharing what you learn – writing about it, producing it, publishing it. Participatory technologies comprise a hot trend that have youth writing, producing and publishing their experiences, opinions and learning – from online videos to blogs. We’ll demonstrate how youth are demonstrating their leadership, sharing their insights, and learning key communication skills as they publish their works online.

Young people are learning new concepts and developing new skills each day through the wide world of participatory technologies and learning games. To engage the creative and curious minds that will lead tomorrow, educators need to embrace these new non-linear learning games. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn about them.