Post #6 – Refugees
I have put together a list of games/simulations/interactive activities, etc.. (see link above).
Peruse some of the games, etc., included in the attached document. See what interests you. We’re talking about Refugees this week. Here is an opportunity to take some of the information you’re hearing, and put it into action.
After going over some of the links on the attached document, pick one that you’d like to ‘play’. But please remember, this is not a game in real life. People lose their lives, and put themselves in harm’s way every day to seek a better life.
Play your game or select an activity. Tell us which game you’ve selected. Make some notes about the game, what you had to do. What is the theme of the game/simulation? What is the purpose? As you are ‘playing’, what kinds of choices did you have to make as you took on a role in a simulation, or moved through another activity? Use ideas from class discussions, the SDGs, and our guest speaker, and other sources you may run across to strengthen your discussion about the themes/messages in the activity. Include any outside courses, please.
I’m interested in knowing how the ‘game’ or ‘simulation’ actually works, if it works, it these are good learning tools. Tell us what you learn about the topic as you play. What are your personal thoughts about the issues that the games/simulations/activities you are playing.
After you play your game or simulation, imagine what you might do if you were in the same situation? Tell us. Wrap up your post.
Please note: If you are in another of my classes and are also doing this exercise, please pick a second game to write about.
Write about 500 words: 1st part: Which game/activity did you select? What happened in this game/simulation/activity? 2nd part: How did this game work? Was it user friendly? Appropriate for this course? Did you learn anything – try to bring in ideas from our lectures/guest speakers. 3rd part: Wrap it up and tell us what you learned by doing this exercise.
Remember to comment on another student’s post in about 200 words.
NOTE: I don’t really play games, so I’m counting on you to tell me how these work for you. If you have other ideas for games, feel free to share those with us too.
Deadline: Your first post is due by Midnight, Monday February 25, your reply is due by Midnight of Wednesday, February 27. If not submitted by Monday, two points are taken off for lateness, if not submitted by Wednesday they will not be accepted. From here on out through the remainder of the course, we will not accept posts submitted after Wednesday. We need to keep moving with the class and it is not fair to the students who are turning their posts in on time.
To receive full credit, please follow the directions written above with the following Rubric:
2pts – Well written, more than 500 words
2pts – Which game/activity did you select?
2pts – What happened in this game/simulation/activity?
2pts – How did this game work? Was it user friendly? Appropriate for this course?
2pts – Did you learn anything?
Games on Immigration and Refugees (and other topics)
Against all Odds www.playagainstallodds.ca/ By UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency An online video game experience to help players understand what it is like to be a refugee. Players experience the three phases of a refugee’s journey: 1) war and conflict; 2) border country; and 3) a new life. Players learn some of the reasons people need to flee their country, as well as the hardships they encounter as they try to obtain asylum and establish themselves in a new country.
ICED www.icedgame.com By Breakthrough Players take on the role of an immigrant teen who must avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, choosing right from wrong and answering questions on immigration. If players answer questions incorrectly or make poor decisions, they are detained with no respect for their human rights.
Advocates for Human Rights
Also:
INTERACTIVE GAMES ONLINE
· Mission US, City of Immigrants: Multimedia project that immerses players in U.S. history through free interactive games.
· Immigration Nation: Free game for children where the player helps newcomers along their path to citizenship in the US.
· Against all Odds: Developed by UNHCR and designed to teach players about the plight on refugees.
· Interactive Sites for Education: K-5 interactive, educational games and simulations on immigration for groups or individual learning
· Migration to Canada: Site from the Government of Canada that has games as “a fun path to learning:” about citizenship, migration and multiculturalism
· Wartgames: Site that compiles several interactive games and activities about immigration for K-8 students
· The Advocators for Human Rights: Compilation of games to learn more about Human Rights issues
· Michelle Henry’s Site: English Professor (in France) Michelle Henry compiles games, cartoons, crosswords and other resources to teach about immigration.
· Toma el paso, or make a move: board game to learn US Immigration laws.
· Canadian Immigration Process: online game designed to learn the experience and process of immigrating to Canada.
· From Ellis Island to Orchard Street: It’s 1916, and you are going to immigrate to America. Victoria Confino, a young immigrant, will help you on your journey.
· Cloud Chasers- A Journey of Hope: Moving game that tackles issues with immigration, following a father and daughter’s dangerous journey in search for a better life.
· PBS Border Games: Collection of games and activities to think about borders.
· Immigration Games: Game where the player works at the immigration center
· JEOPARDY: An immigration review game
· Smuggle Truck: satirical driving game where you must save your passengers by smuggling them across the border
· Games for Change: Games that serve as critical tools in humanitarian and educational efforts.