News Summary
Dr. Franklin Rausch, a history professor at Lander University, has received funding to create interactive history games. This initiative aims to make learning more engaging for students through gameplay. The board games focus on topics such as the Wild West and the American Revolutionary War. The funding will also enhance the Experiencing History Lab, which will produce instructional videos to aid in teaching. The games seek to foster critical thinking and promote an immersive educational experience for students.
Lander, South Carolina
Dr. Franklin Rausch, a history professor at Lander University, has received funding to develop interactive history games aimed at enhancing students’ learning experiences. The initiative, supported by a President’s Grant under Lander President Richard Cosentino, seeks to make history more engaging and accessible for students through gameplay.
Among the innovations created by Dr. Rausch is a board game that focuses on the “Wild West”, along with others designed for various history topics, including the American Revolutionary War and European history. Drawing inspiration from his own childhood experiences with gaming, he has designed these educational tools to foster a more dynamic classroom environment.
Utilizing resources from Lander University’s print shop, Dr. Rausch has produced cards and boards for his games. Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, allowing for iterative improvements in game design and gameplay experience. This engagement has been instrumental for Rausch as he incorporates elements of competition and luck into the games, promoting critical thinking and active participation among students.
Enhancing Educational Technology
The President’s Grant will be utilized not only to improve the gaming experience but also to purchase crucial equipment for the Experiencing History Lab. This lab will become a hub for enhancing educational methodologies at Lander University. The equipment will be instrumental in producing instructional videos that accompany each game, enriching their educational value.
Each game developed by Dr. Rausch will include:
- An introductory video explaining game rules.
- A video featuring students engaging with the game.
- A video designed for instructors to aid in classroom teaching.
Additionally, students will be employed to assist in the development of these instructional videos. All game resources will be made accessible on Lander University’s website, enabling instructors from various institutions to utilize these tools in their teaching.
Innovative Approach to History Education
Dr. Rausch’s approach to teaching history through gameplay enables students to better grasp complex principles and concepts. He aims to not only teach historical facts but also to provide students with an immersive experience that reflects real historical events and challenges. For instance, game scenarios based on the Black Death encourage students to think critically about survival strategies during significant historical events.
The integration of these interactive games into the curriculum illustrates a shift towards more engaging teaching methodologies, which aim to enhance student involvement and interest in history. The Experiencing History Lab will serve as a critical resource in this endeavor, promoting the use of modern technology in educational settings.
More Information
For further details on Dr. Rausch’s games and the Experiencing History Lab, interested individuals can visit www.lander.edu/ehl.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Dr. Rausch’s interactive history games?
The games aim to enhance student engagement and understanding of historical concepts through gameplay.
What historical topics do the games cover?
The games cover a variety of topics, including the Wild West, the American Revolutionary War, and the Black Death.
How will the President’s Grant benefit the Experiencing History Lab?
The grant will be used to purchase equipment for producing instructional videos that accompany the history games.
Who will assist in creating the instructional videos?
Students will be hired to help in the development of these videos.
Where can instructors find the game resources?
All game resources will be made available on Lander University’s website for access by other instructors.
Key Features of Dr. Rausch’s Educational Games
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Interactive Gameplay | Games designed to make history learning engaging and fun. |
| Variety of Topics | Games cover subjects like the Wild West, the American Revolutionary War, and more. |
| Instructional Videos | Covers rules, gameplay interactions, and teacher guidance. |
| Student Involvement | Students help create video content, enhancing their learning experience. |
| Accessible Resources | All materials will be available on the university’s website for wider access. |
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