http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/10/17/video.games.ap/index.html
I read this article today on CNN, and I thought it was pretty neat. I'm sure the idea of using technology in the way of videogames in the classroom is not a new one. We used a game in my typing class in highschool, if I remember correctly. But will Sonic and DonkeyKong take over the curriculum? Doubtful. (and note my usage of only old games... I haven't used a new system since middleschool) Honestly, I think using games in the classroom is a great approach to teaching. As the article says, it keeps kids focused and interested in what they are learning about. Obviously the games have to be well suited to the area they are working with, and crafted specifically for the classroom. I also dont think EVERY subject should involve a videogame (I dont think Link could teach me calc...), but there are even certain games out now that teach valuable skills. The Sims, for example, is a great example (without cheat codes, of course) of money-management. Or games like tetris and bejeweled. And using videogames in the classroom could encourage some healthy competition. But on the flip-side, I think it would devalue teaching in a sense. I'm all for updating the classroom, but to deem the traditional classroom obsolete would be a step backwards. I know in many of my classes at the University level, my textbooks come with access codes for online resources that include games that are very helpful, as well as animated examples, videos, etc. I think we're moving in a direction that will allow more interactive technology to make a true impact in the classroom, but the idea of videogames being a primary teaching tool seems a little absurd.
What do you guys think?? Should American children be encouraged to spend more time on the video-consoles??
In some instances I would encourage the use of games only to supplement what is being taught. Children I know that play video games become so involved in what they are doing that, sure they may end up learning something from it, but they lose the ability to multi-task, or to concentrate on something that isn't as entertaining.
The main problem with video games, in my opinion, is it doesn't encourage children's imagninations. At young ages, the imagination should really be stretched and used. I believe I heard around age 5 the imagination has peaked. By the time children get older, they are no longer as creative particularly if they have not been encouraged through childhood to be imaginative.
I agree with you. Video games and the internet can never out power the imagination of the book. However, it seems that less and less kids are willing to pick up a book these days and read. As a 17 year old myself, I prefer to do all of my homework and other things online, however, I love reading books, and can not sit in the computer and read a novel. Although, the option is available these days.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
We used to play little computer games in the learning labs everyone was required to attend in our elementary school. It wasn't too bad and helped many students actually grasp the basic materials. We also had teachers that would make up games. When we learned about the Oregon Trail, one teacher transformed our classroom to reflect the lessons. For a week we were travelers and roleplayed. One year our classroom was the galaxy. Education doesn't have to be cut and dried. That's something a lot of educators tend to forget. When students can actually get involved and see things in a different light, play the games, roleplay, etc entire worlds open up. There is a place for textbooks... it just doesn't have to always be "by the book."
I remember when we were learning about Hawaii in the fifth grade our teacher cover the classroom with blue paper and had us make fishes and sea creatures that would live around Hawaii, and then we were able to put our artwork around the room. Also, she got us hawaiian food and we had hawaiian music; that was fun.
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I never let my schooling interfere with my education. - Mark Twain
I agree that children should be playing more videogames but it depends on the type of game. Like you mentioned most of us had a typing game to learn how to tyep. I also remember spelling games in first grade and basic math games...now the math games were a little on the boring side. Going with one of your examples Link my not be able to teach calculous, but he can tell me that 4 heart container peices = 1 heart.
Ok on to something serious, videogames while good in a classroom depending on the subject won't be great for everyone. Just like certain teaching methods, many children / adults are just not good at videogames. I know the games themselves would never be a true measure of sucess in the classroom, it could lead to bragging rights if scores were saved.
The only, area I forsee videogames making a huge impact is driving simulators and allow me to explain how I perceive it. I never even bothered getting my license until I was 18, not only did I not have a job due to school issues, but I had no car so it balanced out. What I did do was play Gran Turismo from the first one all the way to #4. The first time I got behind the wheel I didn't break hard once, and I could judge distance when turning / braking and parking. I drove for maybe a week and got my license on the first attempt. I'm sure if any of you have ever tried this game and went through the licensing procedures you know how difficult it is. Somehow I was able to translate the slight button taps on the controller to actually turning the wheel. It also helped me figure out good turning lines and how to follow the lines on the road.
Now your probably saying, hah he drove for a week and got his license how many accidents? Well I've been driving for 5+ years now and I haven't gotten a single speeding ticket / parking ticket or traffic accident. While something like that would never be true for everyone, they have done studies where people that played videogames or driving games in general have a ??% less chance of getting into an accident because of quicker reflexes.
On an even smaller scale, while upgrading parts on the car I learned some car lingo that could help many people when visiting the mechanic.
Driving game simulators would never replace a true driving instructor, but it could be a good diversion from a somewhat boring class...or so I'm told. (Never went through driving school)