In my opinion: Video games can be big winner in classroom environment [Independent.ie]
- Published: 18 May 2011
While eyebrows may be raised at the thought of using video games for learning, they are a popular and engaging medium that can be put to good use in classrooms from primary to third level education. After all, TV, video and the Internet faced similar challenges when first used as educational tools rather than for entertainment.
Although game-based learning (GBL) is increasingly popular across Europe, I strongly believe that more Irish schools and universities need to embrace this new method.
In an educational context, the fun and interactive elements of gaming are used to help students "experience" the topic they are studying in a virtual world.
While you may have an image of gaming and gamers being isolated, this is not the case in an educational environment as games are used within the wider context of teaching. They engage students, motivate them to 'learn-by-doing' and develop collaborative skills along with a deeper understanding of the topic.
For example, while a teacher can describe the ice age and the formation of mountains, valleys and rivers to their students, taking part in a video game could allow them to 'walk' through these areas, see and experience life in that time and solve problems and puzzles along the way.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
