Video Games Promoting Learning

Video Games Promoting Learning

1-      Flower: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/flower-ps3

This non-competitive game was created by Sony in 2009. It depends on the ability of the player to control the wind. It starts by a single flower petal flowing through the air. When it touches the ground, it creates more flowers so the player can flourish a dead grass area, and transform a landscape into a more beautiful one. What I liked about the game is that it is not violent, the music is relaxing, and the natural scenes are ones that I like. Sony says that this game stimulates emotions, and promotes relaxation.

In an adult classroom setting, especially in ladies only classes, this game could be played to reduce the tension after a difficult task or quiz. It can also be used as a motivation to work harder on a certain task.

2-       Minecraft: https://minecraft.net

This game was developed in 2012 by a Swedish company. It consists of building blocks that the player uses to create different objects such as water, mountains, etc. The player is given the choice of how he/she would like to play this game. The player is placed in a certain location, and he/she has to find his way by walking in a certain trail of deserts, rivers, mountains, etc. There are some obstacle that the player faces such as hostile creatures that would destroy the construction, so the player has to combat them. The player also needs to eat, so he/she would hunt cow or chicken for example, how to find ways for making money to survive.

I believe this game is useful in promoting creativity, and problem solving which lead to critical thinking skills. Squire, 2012 used the expression “interest driven learning, pp.46” to describe such games. In an adult classroom this game can be useful as he suggested in determining the students’ needs which allows the teacher to realize how to motivate reluctant students. Steinkuehler, C., & Duncan, S. (2008) assure that online games can promote team work, collaborative learning, and stimulate shy and reluctant students’ interest as they get involved in a virtual community. Gradually they will know how to communicate with their partners on personal basis which will lead to better language communication competency since games are not restricted to “the designed environment in which activities take place. pp. 531”.

References

Squire, K. (2011). Video games and learning: Teaching and participatory culture in the digital age.

New York, NY: Teachers College Press

Steinkuehler, C., & Duncan, S. (2008). Scientific habits of mind in virtual worlds. Journal of Science Education & Technology, 17(6), 530–543

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/benefits-minecraft-classroom-students.shtml

www.teachthought.com/.../50-of-the-best-video-games-for-learning