Games in education

The 21st century student does not learn in the same way that I did. Students today need more than just core content to make it in the real world. Video games may be a way to enhance student learning. Games have been present in schools for years, but currently the games students can choose from offer much more than those of the past. One huge benefit of games in the classroom is the important role they play in offering an introduction to the virtual world, which can help to develop the way students interact with technology. Also, digital games are user-centred; they can promote challenges, co-operation, engagement, and the development of problem-solving strategies.

A huge problem with games in the classroom is that the concept of using games to teach, not just as a skill and drill tool, is relatively new for most teachers. These same teachers are not skilled themselves in these games and are not able to take on the leadership role that most "digital immigrant teachers want to assume. In order for games in school to be successful, the games need to be accurate in terms of content, and teachers must be supported and encouraged in this new area.

We already know that students are using technology to play games, and that traditional school is becoming more of a passive activity for today's students. Games can offer students skills that are lacking from our educational system. Games can offer motivation and enjoyment. They provide self gratification and a form of play.

Used correctly, games in education offer huge benefits, and getting to the place where using games as an effective tool in the classroom is certainly a goal to strive for. The skills children develop by playing games can provide them with basic skills for computer literacy, and can help to prepare them for science and technology. Research does show that games in education usually benefit the less skilled players in the area of content learning, but the attention skills were better developed in the more skilled players.

Overall, like anything, games have a place in education but there needs to be a balance. With such a relatively new concept, more time is needed to experiment with the process and research the outcome.