Blog 1 - Townscaper - Task 1

As technology continues to advance, it is imperative that the education system evolves alongside it. The incorporation of technology into classroom learning has become increasingly essential. Education serves the purpose of preparing students for their future, a future that will heavily rely on technology. Integrating technology into the classroom allows for the development of technical skills required for future careers, facilitates more effective teaching, and enhances student learning (McCabe, & Meuter, M. L. 2011).

One of the reasons why technology can facilitate effective teaching and enhance students learning is it allows for creativity. According to Henriksen, Mishra, P., & Fisser, P. (2016) there is a clear connection between creativity and technology. Creativity is important as it enables intellectual and emotional growth, ultimately leading to a more successful life (Henriksen, Mishra, P., & Fisser, P. 2016).

So how can we incorporate technology and creativity in the classroom?

While there is no one definitive approach, a start can be made by using emerging technologies. Townscaper is a simple tool that can be used as a great introductory into technology and creativity. Townscaper is an interactive game that allows you to make little towns in a simple form (Favis. 2020).

The tool does not come with instructions due to its simplicity (Favis. 2020). You are provided a blank canvas and a colour pallet. From there, you simply click and start to build up your town.

Figure 1 & 2 Screenshots of my progression of town building using Townscapers (Townscapers, 2023).

Townscapers has its limitations since it is relatively simplistic and doesn't facilitate significant improvements in learning alone but is a great beginning into deeper learning. For example, using townscaper for a creative writing lesson. Creative writing can be difficult for students to begin if they are not provided a starting point. Townscaper creates a starting point for students as they build their story from the town they create. Additionally, using the Townscaper tool generates interest in the lesson by offering visual aids to the students, which are proven to enhance engagement (Halwani, 2017).

Alternatively, to Townscapers, Toy Box Metropolis is a game that offers advanced features and decision-making based on real-life factors like culture, infrastructure, appearance, living standards, and wealth. It allows students to apply strategic thinking and build cities with specific intent, making it a suitable next step for older students and teachers who want to go beyond Townscapes' limitations.

Figure 3, 4 & 5 Screenshots of the beginning phases of Toy Box Metropolis (Metropolis, 2023).

In conclusion, it is important that we are implementing emerging technologies into the classroom as this will be a fundamental aspect of our students’ futures. Townscapers is an excellent starting point for both teachers and students to incorporate into the classroom for productive learning.

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REFERENCES

Favis. (2020). “Townscaper,” a pretty game about making cozy towns, shines in its simplicity. The Washington Post.

Halwani, N. (2017). Visual Aids and Multimedia in Second Language Acquisition. English Language Teaching (Toronto), 10(6), 53–. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v10n6p53

Henriksen, Mishra, P., & Fisser, P. (2016). Infusing Creativity and Technology in 21st Century Education: A Systemic View for Change. Educational Technology & Society, 19(3), 27–37.

McCabe, & Meuter, M. L. (2011). A Student View of Technology in the Classroom: Does It Enhance the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education? Journal of Marketing Education, 33(2), 149–159. https://doi.org/10.1177/0273475311410847

https://oskarstalberg.com/Townscaper/

https://seconddimension.itch.io/toy-box-metropolis

ChatGPT has been used for the final edit of this post.

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EDIT HISTORY

07/03/2023 4:30pm - Adjustments made according to Edelaide Rabi feedback.