Learning
from gaming, or connecting digital games with learning, has increased over the
past decade in the regular classroom setting.
Whether students are playing math fact drill games on the computer or
participating in a virtual world of problem solving such as Minecraft, students
are connecting in the classroom.
Gaming has
a way of increasing students’ participation and interest in education. Gaming can be considered as taking a subject,
such as math, and drilling facts over a game.
The technology-based game provides instant feedback to the learner, and
instant data for the instructor. Many
classrooms in fact do use this type of educational gaming, or something similar
in the area of reading, math and spelling.
Additional
gaming opportunities also include situations where students participate in a
virtual world, with an avatar, and are able to work through a simulation, using
higher level thinking skills and in a team based setting. Games such as Minecraft provide students the
opportunity to connect games and discuss strategies and build together to solve
problems.
Games such
as the later enhance the learning experience for many students, providing an
opportunity for higher-level thinking and problem solving in a virtual
setting. Gaming can prove to be intrinsically
motivating to many students, as subject area knowledge increases, as the players
become learners.
For those
who would like to read more about the research of successful gaming in the
classroom, consider reviewing the following articles…
According
to Heystead and Marzano, gaming in the classroom increases academic performance
and achievement scores by 20%. Gaming
increases interest, enthusiasm and competition, engagement is increased and
students refocus their attention to the curriculum. Gaming increases collaboration and problem
solving rather than passively listening to collect information in a classroom. (Schwartzman, 1997)
Will
Richardson reports that gaming in the classroom is not new to teachers, in fact
in a study completed by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop which
strives to increase and enhance students’ learning in this digital age, found
that 325 of 500 surveyed teachers use educational games in the classroom, and
18% use them every day. Overall teacher’s surveys suggested that gaming
increases participation, individualizes instruction and assesses students’
knowledge both of which help collect meaningful data.
What
students are playing is still a topic of conversation. Simulations in gaming provide opportunities
for students to collaborate and problem solve and develop solutions to real
life situations. Simulations provide the
opportunity to increase higher-level thinking while incorporating multiple objectives
across the curriculum.
Games are
successful when used lightly and thoughtfully.
To get the most out of gaming in the classroom, Marzano suggests setting
up revolving teams where competition is friendly in the classroom, not for
points. Allow teams to complete for
light reinforcements only for fun.
Keep gaming
curriculum based and focus on vocabulary that students need to master. Discuss this during the gaming process,
assessing this material.
Take time
to debrief after gaming and discuss the outcomes of the gaming session. As a group, have the students check in about
how they felt about the procedure, and questions they may have had or what they
are still working on learning.
Make
connections through note taking. Allow
time for students to revise notes they have taken on the subject in older
grades. What did the game teach them? In younger grades, your classes can make
connections to the games, allowing for higher retention.
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