Neowin.net - Do Video Games Have a Role in School?

Do Video Games Have a Role in School?

Posted by Timmah on 03 October 2006 - 10:59 · 7 comments & 6010 views

Research comissioned by games giant EA has suggested that both students and teachers believe that games can have a positive role in the classroom.

Out of a total 1000 teachers and 2000 primary and secondary students, 59% of teachers admitted they would consider using a popular video game in their classes, whilst 62% of students admitted they wanted to use video games in school. This does of course mean that a significant 41% of teachers and 38% of students did not agree.

EA's international marketing director, Jules Clarkson said: "EA has recognised for a long time the potential for computer games to stimulate teachers and students."

What he hadn't recognised were that 70% of those teachers interviewed believe that games lead to antisocial behaviour and even 30% of targetted students believed games could increase violence and agression.

The report, released on the first day of the London Games Festival, doesn't answer the question of which games it is that could benefit the learning environment. Even EA has said it will not change the way it makes games off the back of the reasearch.

Jules Clarkson added: "I do not imagine we are suddenly going to get into educational software markets but it does give us ideas about how to work with educational establishments."

The London Games Festival runs until October 7th and involves a whole range of events including game showcases, award ceremonies and a chance for the public to share their video games ideas with developers.

Link: London Games Festival

Hide additional information

About the Author
Full name: Unknown
Forum name: vet

Timmah
Contact: via forum PM
Submissions: Normal · Headline

Total votes: 2

Bookmark on del.icio.us

Advertisement

#1 Posted by MichaelBL on 03 Oct 2006 - 11:02: Now EA is gonna push their half-arsed game to Classrooms ?

I think it's a crap idea, because i wasn't allowed to play during class ... Then no one else should

#2 Posted by petroid on 03 Oct 2006 - 11:21: SimCity in Schools FTW! My copy of SC3000 actually had a learning guide with it that could be used to make classroom lessons out of the game.

#3 Posted by EcPercy on 03 Oct 2006 - 12:35: I can only see games being useful at a school that develops video games.

If EA comes here we will vote them right out the door. Kids have enough trouble concentrating in school as it is. We can save the games for when they are at home.

I have kids. If they start pushing video games in public schools then I will have to put my kids in private school.

#4 Posted by guylaroche on 03 Oct 2006 - 12:36: I suppose some games MIGHT have a modicum of educational value, but I really don't think it is a good idea.... If the critics are right and certain games encourage violence, schools would become a training ground for school shooters (assuming, of course that the critics are right & that kids would get away with playing violent video games).

#5 Posted by kyrio on 03 Oct 2006 - 12:41: What child wouldn't want timeless classics like Number Cruncher, Oregon Trail and Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego in school? I know we all did.
The reason for the results EA got is because EA doesn't make learning games, it makes crap games that have nothing to do with school.
If you asked kids if they would rather do their math homework in a notebook or on a computer program (step by step with no answers to be found in the back of a text book) I'm guaranteeing a 100% yes on that program. Probably the same would go for teachers.
Think of how many retarded people were/are in your classes that never finished homework. Think about yourself and how when you didn't do the homework your grades dropped, even if it was slightly.

#6 Posted by RealFduch on 03 Oct 2006 - 13:04: Quote -
What he hadn't recognised were that 70% of those teachers interviewed believe that games lead to antisocial behaviour and even 30% of targetted students believed games could increase violence and agression.

And if you spin Beatles vinil backwards you'll hear satan voice.

#7 Posted by tiago on 05 Oct 2006 - 01:12: yes, they keep me from studying

[1]

Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!

Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.

Scroll to the Top