How Games and Learning Work
Posted on September 30th, 2008 in Uncategorized
Date posted: May 18, 2006
Updated: Oct 23, 2006
By Obe Hostetter
James Madison University
Department of Educational Technology
Dr. Richard Clemens
December 2002
Abstract
The new generation of children has been named the game generation. This game generation is used to a twitch speed, parallel processing, active, fantasy world. Games have changed the learners´ cognitive skills so that the game generation can process a lot of information at the same time. Video games are an excellent learning tool because the computer can adjust its difficulty according to the player´s preference or need. Video games also teach deductive reasoning, memory strategies, and eye-hand coordination. The downside of using video games is that they are very addicting but with monitoring can be used effectively in the classroom. Working together with software companies, parents, and educators, video games can facilitate children learning the required content for their level as well as make learning fun and applicable to the game generation children. As a result, educators must be willing to learn how to use educational games as a part of constructivist learning in education.
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