"Enthusiasts argue that children learn many important skills through gameplay, and, hence that computer games will make formal learning more pleasurable, motivating and effective (Mitchell & Savill-Smith, 2004). Sceptics tend to argue that computer games might have negative effects on people’s attitudes and behaviour (Anderson & Dill, 2000; Walsh, Gentile, Gieske, Walsh & Chasko, 2004). What is more, they suggest computer games will shift people’s focus away from more worthy activities such as reading and writing, doing math and science or playing outdoors."
As with any new idea that comes along, learning through gameplay is going to have the enthusiasts as well as sceptics. Therefore, it is the job of the enthusiasts to show that there is more to their enthusiasm than "the kids will enjoy it". It must be about learning and enthusiasts must be equipped with research and facts that show how this learning takes place.
"For example, Ceci and Roazzi (1994) compared children’s problem solving in two different contexts and discovered that context might be crucial because different contexts elicit different strategies and activate different knowledge structures in the mind, something which might allow for more efficient information processing. They found that students did significantly better when a task was presented in the context of a game rather than in the context of a test."
I found this quote really interesting because I could totally relate. I have always been one of those people that don't test well. Just the thought of a test, makes me a nervous wreck - the timed part, the bubbles to fill in...it stresses me out. However, I usually have no problem showing that I have learned a concept in other ways. Using gameplay as a way for students to show understanding of a concept really interests me. I think it could help those students with 'test stress'.
"To summarise, changing institutional practices involves complex transformations, which might be facilitated by incorporating game-like features. But, gaming cannot or should not be conceived as something which in and by itself will make learning more meaningful, fun or pleasurable."
This quote relates to the first quote that I chose. Incorporating game-like features into classroom practices is not enough in itself. While gameplay may make learning more meaningful and fun, it is important to remember that the games must reinforce core learning concepts. Simply having a game in class isn't enough. You must give students the background and review that they are learning the concepts. The games may provide motivation, but educators must make sure that the concepts are being understood.
I found this article by Marc Pensky about The Motivation of Gameplay.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree that games can be a way for students to show us that they have learned. Not everyone is a good test taker. I have a couple students who freak out when I give them a test, even though they know the material. That is why I like project based assessments better. They show me what the student knows and can do, and it is great for students who aren't good testers.
ReplyDeleteFortunately I have generally been good at tests, but I have a variety of friends who are not. Regurgitation of material on demand does not always mean that a student thoroughly understands the topic. It shows memorization skills, but does not mean that a student can apply the knowledge. The resource you've provided speaks to motivation and I would agree that students today face far different motivational challenges than ever before. I do believe that young people need to learn to adapt and be flexible in new situations and to step outside their comfort zone in learning (it is not all fun and games), but so too does the older generation. We need to accept that there can be learning in fun and games.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more than when you said, "While gameplay may make learning more meaningful and fun, it is important to remember that the games must reinforce core learning concepts."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your statement," It must be about learning and enthusiasts must be equipped with research and facts that show how this learning takes place." Through the use of proper research methods, we can prove with ease that tech helps with education.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I like the aspect of games being a synthesis of learning instead of a paper and pencil assesment. Students are more motivated to achieve and learn through gaming rather than through worksheets and paper practice.
ReplyDeleteI like the quote about differences in student performance on tests in different contexts. I can see the importance of the game design principle related to "risk-taking". Good games for learning encourage risk taking. That is, players are not punished for taking risks but are giving opportunities to learn from their mistakes. So a test given in the context of a game becomes a learning tool rather than a sorting machine as is so often the case when a test is given in the context of school.
ReplyDelete