Teaching Communication to Autistic Children with Video Games — An Educator’s Experience
Teamwork Adventure is a simple web-based role-playing game that was co-designed with teachers, for teachers. It serves one simple purpose…
Teamwork Adventure is a simple web-based role-playing game that was co-designed with teachers, for teachers. It serves one simple purpose: to help spark communication and teach cooperation to students with ASD and related disorders.
Teamwork Adventure works in a browser and it’s currently free to play on the official website. You can also follow us on Twitter
Last summer, we’ve had a very productive series of play tests at ‘Our Sunny World’, one of the biggest rehabilitation centers in Russia (you can read about it in detail in our previous blog entry). Inspired by positive feedback from educators, we’ve decided to take Teamwork Adventure to the next level. That’s why we’ve started approaching special ed teachers from all around the world, asking them to try the game in their classrooms and share feedback with us. Below is a story from one brilliant educator.
The Teacher
Leo Stern works as Director of Technology at Stanbridge Academy, CA. He is a BA in Education and Psychology and a MA of Education. He teaches K-12 students
The School
Located in San Mateo, CA, Stanbridge Academy was founded in 1982 specifically for students who learn differently and/or who struggle in traditional school environments. It has small class sizes in all grades (generally 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio), full-time speech and language therapist, and two licensed MFT counselors on staff and integrated technology throughout campus, among other services. 75% of Stanbridge graduates enroll in a two-year or four-year college, university, or voc-tech school; others enroll in residential education programs or join the workforce
The Process
Over almost 3 weeks, Mr. Leo Stern was kind and curious enough to test Teamwork Adventure with several dozens of his students of different age and abilities.
The Experience
Would you please tell a few words about the classes you teach? How many students are there in a room on a typical lesson, what ages do you teach?
I currently teach students across all age levels, starting with 5-year-olds all the way up to 16-year-olds. The students are primarily students with autism, somewhere on the spectrum. The classes focus on technology, with an emphasis on computer science. In general, the classes vary between 5 and 8 students.
Do you use video games or digital learning materials in your classes?
Yes, we use digital learning materials, websites, computer software, iPad apps, and other technology. I am looking for more ways to incorporate video games into the curriculum, as I see them as a highly motivational tool.
What goals, as a teacher, do you pursuit when offering your students a video game during classes?
3 things that I would like to see in video games. First, opportunities for students to communicate and work together to achieve goals. Second, opportunities for students to problem solve and/or solve puzzles that will stretch their thinking. Third, it is a bonus if games can actually increase academic skills, such as reading and math.
Tell a few words about the students you played Teamwork Adventure with?
I used the software with students ranging from ages 10–16. The students were primarily students on the spectrum that have challenges with communication skills.
Tell us a little about your experience with Teamwork Adventure? Were the children engaged by the story? Were they interested in experimenting with the mechanics?
The students were all very engaged with the story. The students through age 14 seemed to be especially interested and engaged with what was being presented. As for experimenting with mechanics, there was a range of experiences. Some students seemed to be more familiar with video game ‘strategy’ and trying things, while others were more intimidated and got a bit frustrated when things required more strategy and/or trying things out.
Will you be using Teamwork Adventure in your future work? In your opinion, does it help something that could benefit students with ASD?
I would love to continue using the software when there is more content available. I see great potential and benefits for the students I work with.
What would you improve in the current version of Teamwork Adventure to make it better serve your needs as a teacher?
Clearly save states and tracking of individual students. A system for getting tips and/or hints for students that are struggling. Different levels of difficulty.
There’s definitely room for improvement here! Teamwork Adventure is still in development and you can be a part of making it even better for people with autism! All you need to start is check in on our website, play the game (it’s free and works in a browser) and let us know, what you think. We’re always looking for feedback from players, educators, and parents! Let’s Rewire.Education together