Week 14: Using Games for Teaching and Learning

This week our discussion shifted to using computer games in the classroom. We all shared different games that we played in elementary school including Oregon Trail, Troggle, and a host of others. Our discussion continued on about the newest addition to computer games... Second Life. Many schools are using Second Life, which is created by its users as a facilitation of learning, I was suprised to learn that UF currently uses this program. As we turn towards technology to modernize the world, it's not farfetched to think that one day classrooms will all become equipped with XBOX's, Playstations, and Wii's, that come with educational video games.
Because computer games and video games have found their way into society and aren't planning on leaving anytime soon I think that it's smart for teachers to incorporate them into their lesson plans. I know I plan to. Giving students computer time allows them to have fun and play around with the computer while learning. Children will be learning without even realizing it. I think computer games are a great way to prove that education can keep up with modern times.
The following article, "Educational Video Games Effective in Classroom if Certain Criteria are Met", from Science Daily explains what is needed for modern games to be successful in the classroom or for online classes. According the article, three key elements must be kept in mind when a educational video game is created: the possiblity for evaluation, adaptibilty, and the ease of integration. Obviously students can't just go around earning points for slaying dragons, there must be an educational aspect to games if they are going to be put into the classroom or for students who take online classes.