An Argument For Fun
Some institutions and individuals are against and forbid the use of instructional games or simulation software for educational purposes. Arguments against the use of games range from "video games cause children to become violent" to "video games desensitize people to reality" to "video games are not a manful form of expression". Often times these criticism lack and real scientific evidence or draw conclusions from extreme and isolated cases. Video games can be effective teaching tools even when not specifically designed to be educational. Video games incorporate play, something fun that children inherently want to do, with learning. In a worst case scenario by playing a video game a child is familiarizing themselves with technology and building the basic skills needed to use graphical interfaces with confidence. In the best case scenario a child is practicing a key skill or learning new information via educational software and doing so willingly. It is a known fact that a student that is actively engaged in a lesson learns more than one that is passive. Lecturing to a student about a concept or walking them through a math problem is likely going to be a passive interaction, but while playing a game a student is going to actively problem solve and try to understand concepts to advance with in the game, meaning that the student will learn more.
I agree with you that video games can be useful as learning tools. They can help with eye-hand coordination and problem solving. I would love to know what particular games you would use as good examples for your argument. The only ones that comes to mind would be something like an NFL or FIFA game, because both game require that an individual balance a team budget, make choices that affect your team's long term quality and then the individual actually has to play the game. Obviously, there are the educational games that are meant specifically for educational purposes, but I'm interested in what mainstream video games you would consider useful for learning.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was working on my BA at UF there was an honors course on economics and international relations that was taught using Starcraft 2. I always though it was a great medium for that.
DeleteI've played a lot of games over the years that featured complex puzzles, emphasized critical thinking, and required long term planning and commitment that all culminate in a huge sense of accomplishment upon completion. Moralistic RPGs like Fallout or The Walking Dead place an emphasis on interpersonal relations and consequences. Real Time Strategy games like Starcraft or Command & Conquer can develop and encourage critical thinking and situational awareness. Old games(platforms like Megaman or Mario or The Legend of Zelda) tend to place a higher emphasis on puzzles and memorization, but also are heavily text based which can help students practice reading and expand their vocabulary.
Exposure to the art work, writing, the graphical interfaces, and music of games all represent opportunities for a student to experience something that could change their perspective or develop a skill or spark an interest. Beyond all that the experience of a game provides an internecine experience that can't be replicated. I strongly believe that video games can be, and are art. That they are an opportunity for a unique means of expression. Just as art can teach and be experienced, so too can a game.