"In any case, the fact that computer games have become a major industry means that in many people’s lives computer gameplay features as a very pleasurable and entertaining, but also at times frustrating and challenging, activity" (Amseth, 2006).
I absolutely agree with this quote. However, might I add that frustrating and challenging activities are the best outlet for learning.When a task, game, or learning experience is frustrating, than chances are the level of engagement is quite significant. When engagement in the activity occurs, learning is taking place. Also, there is no better feeling than conquering or solving a presented challenge. It is through the different experiences, entertaining and challenging, that the learning processes are most productive.
Quote two:
"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" (Amseth, 2006).
I truly understand the great debate about video games and education. I also feel that under the wrong circumstances, video games can be a very bad thing. If not monitored appropriately or chosen wisely, video game playing can be harmful and unproductive to the learning processes. The key to the battle is finding the right balance of formal education, added to a scheduled amount of gaming time; because both forms of learning have made great contributions to education.
Quote three:
"There is some evidence indicating that students do better when learning tasks are embedded in a context of gameplay rather than, for example, a paper and pencil test" (Amseth, 2006).
I absolutely agree with this quote. It is no secret that all individuals learn things differently. I am not saying by any means that paper and pencil testing should be replaced by gameplay. I am simply saying that research has clearly shown that gameplay contributes to the learning processes; therefore, it should be implemented into the classroom as a secondary form of learning. As a teacher, I will always be supportive of the old fashioned style of teaching, but at the same time technology and the world are evolving at a rapid pace; as is the face of the educational processes.
Amseth, Hans Christian. “Learning to Play or Playing to Learn - A Critical Account of the Models of Communication Informing Educational Research on Computer Gameplay.” The International Journal of Computer Game Research 6.1 (2006): (n.p.).
Resourceful link:
I chose to use an animated video titled Video Games and Learning which focuses on the importance of game based learning. The video discusses the difference between games created for entertainment purposes and games created for educational purposes. Also, it explains how video games relate to the learning processes by striking individual curiosity and evoking tangential learning. I thought this video was a great example of making the learning processes fun. It took a topic that can be overly complicated and made it interesting to learn about, simply by using animation and humor.
I almost picked two of the same quotes that you chose. I agree that games for the just for a fun activity can be viewed as a bad thing but with all teaching the educator must have clear objectives for the activity and plan for the intended outcome. I also think that there can be a balance of paper and pencil activities and using different technologies. I could not believe the resistance I encountered when a paper and pencil task was assigned during my student teaching but when opportunities to use technology was built into the unit the objections were less and not even voiced in most cases. I and in a vocational field but still felt the need to give reading and writing opportunities even if they were completed on a computer.
ReplyDeleteI loved the video and I like that you highlighted the work concerning video games and learning should not be focused on whether kids should play video games or not, but that they way games are designed reflect good learning principles!
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