Grad School
April 22, 2008 by matthewbyrnes
Only 2 weeks left in the semester. Now, I really must decide if I am joining the EDLT program. I don’t want to in many ways. It does not really excite me. I am not thrilled by pedagogical theories and obscure learning theorists. I like that the program is about technology but it is hard to commit to something I can’t get a good look at.
I am more interested with psychology & human and computer interactions, alternative input methods, games and game theory. Only problem there is that we don’t really have that here. We have a psychology department but the prerequisites would add a year to a graduate degree.
Several people have said that I should just do the EDLT because it is easy… I can’t do that. It seems too boring. I need to find out how flexible it is. If I can customize what I am doing then, maybe I will do it. Otherwise, I will need to rethink everything again.
Hmmm…easy I think there is a misconception there. It’s not easy in the sense that you will whiz by. It is probably easy in the sense that you have the technology skills under your belt, so that is one level of stress reduced. One thing that you should consider is that educational game theory is tied to learning theorists. So, if you can really zone in on that, this is where you will benefit. Many ed game researchers have backgrounds in psychology, but what many don’t realize is that they know learning and behavioral theory in and out. I guess this depends on whether you are looking to develop as an educational game developer or see yourself more in the gaming industry? I know you will figure it out!
Thanks for the comment. I too easily get discouraged… one of my many faults. My friends and family say… its easy… just do it! And they mean it the same way you describe it too. I saw how much work you (and my sister) had to do. I blogged hastily.
You make a great point:
“guess this depends on whether you are looking to develop as an educational game developer or see yourself more in the gaming industry?”
I don’t know the answer yet. I am working on it… I really love the educational games but I guess I have to learn theory, develop a philosophy, and back it up w/ solid knowledge to ever be taken seriously.