Using games in the classroom can be a very effective teaching tool if done correctly. Games should be used to reinforce what is being learned, not purely for entertainment. Games allow students to develop their new literacies skills, while becoming more accustomed with new technologies. Students are more active learners when they are participating in something they enjoy. An increasing number of students play games in their free time. Teachers need to capitalize on the students’ desire for games by incorporating them into their lessons.
I agree 100%. I am afraid that the games that incorporate education may not have the same level of enthusiasm as games like Tower Defense and Call of Duty. It's like the corporate CEOs that try to market to kids by saying "The Simpsons is cool, let's put their images on sneakers and they'll sell like hotcakes"
ReplyDeleteSuper like! Yes gamers may just want to play games for fun and not to learn. But we are seeing a lot more games being developed and used in educational settings and they can be fun and motivating for learning. *_^
ReplyDeleteIsn't just wanting to play 1/2 the battle. I mean if that is the way kids minds are wired today aren't we obligated to speak to them/appeal to the in the language they understand best? I am not saying all games are appropriate but as we move forward shouldn't there be a development of more games for classroom use? Thanks. : )
ReplyDeleteI think that more enthusiasm should be placed on preparing students for real world experiences not gaming in the classroom. I am not completely against the use of games however…perhaps educators can use course relevant games as a tool for reviewing course content?
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