Q: I am looking for software to add simulations to my online course. The course has been developed as an outcome of the grant proposal and there is some funding left. Is it something on a market with reasonable budget?

A: I want to share what I learned at the ICELW conference about simulations. There is a SkillSims tool: http://www.etu.ie/

It takes ETU 6 days to create a complex branching simulation with images and audio (10 min. simulation) vs 45 days (Chapman Alliance). It is cloud-based service.

Here is a brief description of ETU's process:

So how our process works just to give you an idea is we do the following

1. Initial Web Conference Call (1hr) - (Attendees: Key Decision Makers)

If you would like to proceed, we can pick an initial project to focus on at this point

2. Deep Dive (1:30hrs - 2hrs) - Key Project Stake Holder, SME's or Instructional Designers 

Alternatively, we could pick a project at this point.

Where we have found more successful collaboration is if we pick an project after the initial 1hr web conference call.

Q: Please refer me to the examples of teaching approaches which are based on game design principles?

A: The scavenger game http://www.scvngr.com/ developed by Seth Priebatsh aims to envision education as a game ecosystem. 
The Center for Game and Impact at Arizona State University  http://gamesandimpact.org/ has exact same goal.
If you are interested in embodied games visit SMALLab Learning http://www.smallablearning.com/

Q: I'd like to stay tuned in my career as a teacher. Do you have any suggestions how I can squeeze a professional development training into my busy schedule?

A: You can have fun playing video game during your coffee break and refresh the best practices in teacher education. The following article describes “Teacher Leader: Pursuit of Professionalism”. It is the first in a series of interactive, three-dimensional video games being designed by ASU’s Center for Games and Impact and the Sanford Inspire Program.
https://asunews.asu.edu/20130924-future-teachers-games

Q: In my class about student's success I'd like to use My Map tool in Google Maps. How do I create personalized, annotated, customized map?

A: Follow this tutorial : How to create a "My Map" in Google Maps   

Q: I heard a new term "gamification". What does it mean?

A: It is new way of incorporating games in your teaching style and mostly applicable for online learning environment. judge for yourself - this article is presenting all arguments for defining "gamification" as the use of game design elements in non-game contexts: bit.ly/o6aX1U

From Game Design Elements to Gamefulness: Defining “Gamification”

Q: Do you consider using Gamification and emotion-sensing software for teaching in near future?

A: Welcome to the future: Gamification and emotion-sensing software

Q: I am implementing the inquiry based approach to teach science. Could you share some examples of the best practices?

A: There is a successful project at Arizona State University - Virtual Field Trips: http://vft.asu.edu/#

Q: Where I can learn more about Whole Child Education?

 A: I would recommend this blog:

About the Blog « Whole Child Education

Q: Where to find Free Online Flash Games?

A: Here the links to start:
Play Student Sim @ GamesGee.com | Free Online Flash Games
http://www.questatlantis.org/

Q: Where do I find the games to incorporate in my online course?

A:  Google the discipline you teach with "game" as an additional keyword - you will find a lot of resources to sort through. You need to play the game you pick before you recommend it to your students. Make sure that it is free, easy to understand with clear directions, and fun. I'd like to share the examples from our faculty to start with:
the Ayiti: cost of life game that Rhonda Philips integrates into her sustainability course:
http://costoflife.ning.com/
The other example is from Wendy Hollingshead Corbett:gamesforchange.org
Against All Odds - refugee survival game - http://www.playagainstallodds.com/

Q: How to find safe online resources and tools to engage my students in learning?

A: Adobe Education Exchange presented the K-12 Tech Tools website that already collected all information for you -

http://edutechdatabase.wikispaces.com/

• If you're looking for a kid-friendly website to direct your students to during centers, tech tools to assign to your students who need extra help (or want extra work), or new tools to engage your students in learning, this website is for you!
• This website features a collection of free, kid-safe, online resources categorized by subject, grade level, and standard (adapted from DC Public Schools Learning Standards).

Q: Why You Should Root for College to Go Online - The Atlantic

A:  Why You Should Root for College to Go Online - The Atlantic

Q: What are the resources for educational games?

A: Please explore "Games for Change":

Founded in 2004, Games for Change is the leading global advocate for supporting and making games for social impact.  We bring together organizations and individuals from the social impact sector, government, media, academia, the gaming industry and the arts to grow the field, incubate new projects and provide an open platform for the exchange of ideas and resources.

http://www.gamesforchange.org/play/