Electronic Learning: Science Fiction or Science Fact
In the past, radio, movies, and television have been blamed for time mismanagement, poor grades, and antisocial behaviors. The new vice facing education is video games. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Brent Conrad, wrote in Tech Addiction magazine, “in a typical day, children consume just over three hours of media (computer, video games, cell phones, etc.) while reading less than 20 minutes per day.” With the apparent overuse of video games, many believe that the use of video games in the classroom is irresponsible. Although these figures are staggering, video games have a place in the classroom. Video games can increase hand-eye coordination, support creative learning, encourage self-motivation, …show more content…
The comparison group’s class received the same materials and the same instruction but didn’t play the game. The result of playing was a staggering 20.5% improvement after just two hours of self-guided play. (online edition)
When students need additional practice, video games can supplement the classroom instruction and prove to be an effective time management tool. Students can learn at their own pace, review material as needed, and improve study …show more content…
Opponents argue video games are a solitary activity, but video games that implement virtual reality encourage teamwork with multiple players. David Williamson Shaffer, Kurt R. Squire, Richard Halverson, and James P. Gee, faculty members in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, argue, “where schools largely sequester students from one another and from the outside world, games bring players together competitively and cooperatively in the virtual world of the game in the social community of its players” (106). The Canadian Education Association reports, “some games (e.g., Civilization, Rise of Nations) require players to learn about social, political and historical development. With many games, players develop skills such as teamwork, information seeking, self-assessment, communication, numeracy and spatial awareness” (3). Virtual reality video games by their nature, bring players together and foster communication. With educational virtual reality games, students have the opportunity to learn in a dynamic virtual world, making learning important and
In the past, radio, movies, and television have been blamed for time mismanagement, poor grades, and antisocial behaviors. The new vice facing education is video games. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Brent Conrad, wrote in Tech Addiction magazine, “in a typical day, children consume just over three hours of media (computer, video games, cell phones, etc.) while reading less than 20 minutes per day.” With the apparent overuse of video games, many believe that the use of video games in the classroom is irresponsible. Although these figures are staggering, video games have a place in the classroom. Video games can increase hand-eye coordination, support creative learning, encourage self-motivation, …show more content…
The comparison group’s class received the same materials and the same instruction but didn’t play the game. The result of playing was a staggering 20.5% improvement after just two hours of self-guided play. (online edition)
When students need additional practice, video games can supplement the classroom instruction and prove to be an effective time management tool. Students can learn at their own pace, review material as needed, and improve study …show more content…
Opponents argue video games are a solitary activity, but video games that implement virtual reality encourage teamwork with multiple players. David Williamson Shaffer, Kurt R. Squire, Richard Halverson, and James P. Gee, faculty members in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, argue, “where schools largely sequester students from one another and from the outside world, games bring players together competitively and cooperatively in the virtual world of the game in the social community of its players” (106). The Canadian Education Association reports, “some games (e.g., Civilization, Rise of Nations) require players to learn about social, political and historical development. With many games, players develop skills such as teamwork, information seeking, self-assessment, communication, numeracy and spatial awareness” (3). Virtual reality video games by their nature, bring players together and foster communication. With educational virtual reality games, students have the opportunity to learn in a dynamic virtual world, making learning important and