Welcome back!
This week we are continuing on with the Gaming and Energy Drinks series. Today I will be introducing you to Reacting to the Past. This platform was created with the intent on expanding historical education in ways that are fun, different, and educational! The games are created in a role playing format, in order for students to really immerse themselves into history. Each game includes a student game book, an instructor’s manual, role playing sheets for each character, and primary resources. This is a more student run game. After receiving their character and game book, students will then play through the game as they see fit. This is a great way to spend a few weeks introducing a lesson or finishing a lesson. There are no fixed scenarios within the game, which allows for students to use their critical thinking skills in order to make it through the game to the end. Although this is the case, with the help of the included primary resources, students are able to still stay up to date with the “current events” that may be happening around the game’s setting. This will also help guide their decisions throughout the game. Once the game is complete, students are then able to discuss with their instructor on why they made the decisions they did, and what the true outcome was for the game.
If you are a fan of team building exercises and immersive gaming, Reacting to the Past might be a resource to check out! While I was in undergrad, one of my history classes introduced this to us. We played one relating to the Crusades, and had a blast working together, and against each other, while also learning more about the events that took place during the Crusades. Reacting to the Past’s goal is to broaden the horizon for history education. With that in mind, their games expand from current events to historical events to wars. This is a great resource for upper level history classes of any specification! By using this resource, students will be given another fun and engaging historical platform to learn from.
Interested in more about gaming? Comment below or send a message about your interests and questions!
Until next time!
THE CAFFEINATED HISTORIAN 