Computer Games and Classrooms!
In a commentary titled ‘Why Games?’ researchers had a question and answer time with some students and in this they found a relationship between why students like to play computer games and how their benefits can be applied in education. Students that were interviewed enjoyed playing games because they were engaging, immersive, provided motivation, required analytical thinking, communication and collaboration.
I found this statement to be really interesting. What games require, should be what teachers also require. What games provide, should be what teachers also provide. If teachers could only harness these great qualities in computer games and use them in the classroom, I think that these digital natives may be more interested in formal education.
on May 10, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Hi there Rachel
This is an interesting observation – the impact of gaming on student learning. It is particularly evident with boys and reading I think. It does challenge our perception of ‘appropriate reading’ in the classroom – boys often prefer non fiction, for example. Others read the manuals of strategy games such as Warhammer and yet are reluctant to pick up a book in the classroom!!
There are some companies now using what they know about gaming in the classroom. Why can’t learning be engaging and fun? Have you seen some of the learning objects put out by the Curriculum Corporation? Worth looking at.
I’ve enjoyed your blog by the way – some good insightful positngs. Well done
Glynis
E learning lecturer