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Video Games in The Classroom Case Studies

Posted by Zonk on from the play-and-learn dept.

JavaTHut writes "Numerous ideas have emerged lately for how video games might be integrated into the classroom and why they are well suited to learning. Still, many challenges remain as most educators are skeptical of their value, previous failures at 'edutainment' have made the industry weary of such a market and a renewed focus on standardized testing has made it difficult to introduce new curriculum. In an effort to identify what possibilities exist for video games in education, MIT recently hosted a conference [video recording torrents available] bringing together teachers, game designers, industry execs, policy makers and academics - with case studies of classroom uses of Civilization, Neverwinter Nights, The Sims 2 and others."

4 of 30 comments (clear)

  1. Oregon Trail by QuantumRiff · · Score: 2, Insightful

    What ever happened to the Oregon Trail? that was the best Apple IIe game I ever played. It was a blast. I would love to get my hands on an updated version with better graphics, but same gameplay! (and of course, the good old "where in the world is carmen sandiego")

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    What are we going to do tonight Brain?
  2. Yeah...right by Unsus · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I definitely think that games can be used as a valuable asset in the classroom, but Civilization, Neverwinter Nights, and The Sims 2? While I do believe that those games will stimulate your mind (unlike a TV where you are a passive observer), it is quite clear that they can be played at home without having to force it upon the kids. Classroom time can be used more valuably for things that kids do not want to learn -- like math and history. Besides, the last thing I want is to be jealous of my kids playing games at school all day.

    1. Re:Yeah...right by BlackCobra43 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Already an improvement over ordinary classes they could not care less about.

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      I never spellcheck and I freely admit it. Save your karma for more worthwhile "lol erorrs" replies
  3. Educators will always remain skeptical by veganopolis · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I read that book about how the "video game" generation approached new problems in a more effective and efficient way. So it doesn't surprise me that educators are having difficulties with this. Some people just don't get it.

    But, I think that this sort of research will always be taken with a grain of salt. It is hard for some people to find value in any controversial study... if you want to call this controversial.