Video games dull the brain and turn children into violence craving delinquents. That apparently is the popular opinion but not one that is entirely factual. Psychologists do see an increase in violent tendencies after game playing but they also note that students who play video games learn new technologies faster in school. What if video games could be educational and improve knowledge of math, science and social studies? That is what some video game developers and educators are working on. Combining curriculum with state of the art game software, they are testing how games can improve education and student participation in the classroom. Game Over takes a look at how video games are making a comeback in the educational world. This program is part of our ongoing series on education and technology and is funded in part by the United States Department of Education.
Game over was produced by Chris Brookes, with production assistance from Katie Gott. The voice of the computer was performed by Mike Jones and Duke Nukem. This program airs as part of our series on Technology and Education, produced with support from the US Department of Education..
Links:
The Walrus Magazine: Game Theories
An article about the economics of the online fantasy game, EverQuest.
The Media Education Foundation
A foundation dedicated to fostering analytical media literacy.
Books:
Literacy in the New Media Age by: Gunther Kress 2003 A probing examination of the future of literacy in what scholar Gunther Kress calls the 'New Media Age.'
What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy by: James Paul Gee 2003 From Lara Croft and Arcanum, education professor James Gee examines popular computer games and their effects on cognitive development.
Digital Game-Based Learning by: Marc Prensky 2000 A clear and persuasive case for methods of using digital games to enhance classroom learning.
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