More often than not, media coverage of computer games has been biased, blaming many educational shortcomings of children on the negative influences of gaming. So I was somewhat surprised when I hit upon The Guardian's article Playtime in the classroom that deals with the beneficial effects of computer gaming.
In the UK, media attention has focused more on Johnson's observations that modern computer games require concentration, forward planning, lateral thinking and sustained problem solving - and, as such, offer a "cognitive workout" that can benefit overall mental development. [...]
[James Paul Gee] argues that the best games offer a model learning experience and suggests teachers can learn useful lessons by looking at how games draw players in and motivate them to concentrate and tackle complex problems.
"Civilisation is a good example; it teaches about material and geographical contingency in the progression of history. Nintendo's Animal Crossing is another - my five-year-old learned almost everything he ever needs to know about long-term debt by figuring out how to pay off his home mortgage in the game."
This didn't make parental supervision redundant, of course, but over time games might evolve into yet another tool teachers could use in classes.Related info:
Guardian Unlimited
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