Articles tagged with: games and learning

[10 Apr 2012 | Comments Off on Can Computer Games Help Kids Learn? | 3,224 views]
Can Computer Games Help Kids Learn?

The explosive growth in video gaming has brought some positive attention to the power of video games to engage kids and also to teach. As with anything in life, there is the risk of playing too much, playing the wrong kind of games, and even of addiction. It is the fear of addiction and other negative effects of video games that have some calling for restraints on all video game usage.

[13 Feb 2012 | Comments Off on Pedagogy in Commercial Video Games | 2,623 views]
Pedagogy in Commercial Video Games

This post is based on an email correspondence with a colleague; it became an interesting discussion so I turned it into a blog post.
What do you find meaningful about the emphasis on fun in games?
I think the power of “fun” to create engagement in learning can’t be underestimated. Marc Prensky describes a certain game that detects player decision-making and makes the game harder for them. Despite being more frustrating, players keep playing and try to overcome the limitations they are given. “Fun” doesn’t mean avoiding challenges, in fact when it …

[4 Apr 2011 | Comments Off on RustyMikeRadio interview: Computer games – Socially Damaging Waste of Time or Powerful Educational Tool | 1,178 views]

In this podcast I chat with Adam Mallerman from Rusty Mike Radio and Dena Lerner from Tomorrow’s Genius about the educational potential of games.

http://rmr.sharp-stream.com/adam_Dena&LisiGeffenGamesEdu%20_30-3-11(dl).mp3
(right click & save link here to download this podcast)

[30 Mar 2011 | Comments Off on What is Game Based Learning? | 1,521 views]

I was recently asked to describe game based learning, and how it differs from traditional learning. I think there a few key concepts that help explain this.
What is game based learning?
Game based learning is really any learning that involves using games – giving student points, or candy, when they answer questions correctly can be considered a game to enhance learning. I think it’s useful to think about the two different aspects of games in learning: you have the motivational aspect, or “fun factor,” which can wear off pretty quickly, and …