Video+Game+Critique

=__**Free Rice**__= FreeRice.com Give **free** rice to hungry people by playing a simple game that increases your knowledge.

__Introduction__

FreeRice is a multiple-choice question and answer website that provides player the opportunity to increase their knowledge of various subjects, from English to chemistry, while donating rice to the United Nations World Food Program. For each question answered correctly, the website creators will donate 10 grains of rice to the UNWFP. The more questions you answer, the more rice is donated to help end hunger!

__Rationale__

Under the subject of English, FreeRice contains the subcategory English Grammar. As I plan on using this website for a college writing course, I find this category to have much potential in the course. In advance writing courses, grammar is an often neglected topic as emphasis and time stresses the focus, development, organization, and critical thinking. Utilizing FreeRice gives students the opportunity to brush up on their grammar skills, which can have a direct impact on the mechanics and flow of their written work, without detracting from valuable class time.

__How can this site be used in this course?__

I would use FreeRice as an outside of class, grammar boosting, extra credit opportunity for students. Students could play in their free time and could earn extra credit point based on the number of grains they donate. A student may receive 5 extra credit points for every 1,000 grains donated, for example. Once they have met their target, I would have them screenshot their score and send it to me as proof of completion.

__Assessing higher order thinking in video games (Rice 2007)__

zoom in and out. || N || variables by users to obtain desired results or adjusting variables leads to different results. || N || prompts, number entry (e.g., combining elements to create new tools, understanding complex jargon). || Y || experiences for the user. || N || Results: 0-8 - //Little or no cognitive viability//. Typical score range for arcade-style only games.
 * **Higher Order Thinking Characteristics** || **Y/N** ||
 * Requires users to assume a role in the game, rather than simply play. || N ||
 * Offers meaningful interaction such as dialogue with NPCs. || N ||
 * Has a storyline. || N ||
 * Has a complex storyline with characters users care about. || N ||
 * Offers simple puzzles. || Y ||
 * Has complex puzzles requiring effort to solve. || N ||
 * Uses three-dimensional graphics. || Y ||
 * Allows multiple views or camera pans and the ability to
 * Allows different ways to complete the game. || N ||
 * Simulates complex processes requiring adjustment of
 * Allows interaction through use of avatars. || N ||
 * Avatars are lifelike. || N ||
 * Requires interaction with virtual elements within the game. || Y ||
 * Requires knowledge of game elements beyond mouse
 * Requires gathering of information in order to complete. || N ||
 * Requires synthesis of knowledge in order to complete or successfully engage elements in the game. || Y ||
 * Environment effectively replicates real world. || N ||
 * NPCs display AI characteristics. || N ||
 * NPCs display effective use of AI resulting in dynamic
 * Offers replay ability with varying results. || Y ||
 * **Total score:** || 6 ||