More on Videogames and Education
Much has been written and discussed concerning the role, and potential, of video games in student learning. A recent article in Converge reports on the University of Wisconsin’s conference on games and learning. In the piece, the author draws a linkage between the attributes of a well designed video game that is created for educational purposes, with those of a good teacher. He writes “They (teachers) know how to engage and motivate students to pay attention, and to keep focused for long and productive periods on specific learning activities”. He goes on to suggest “Like good teachers, the video games generate social excitement and energy that spill into planned activities.”
Do you agree with the author and what are your thoughts concerning the trend to explore this nascent phenomena of harnessing the power of videogaming for the purposes of academic pursuits?