In chapter two of our course text, Professor Beach justifies the exploration of video games in the education setting as he states, "Through engaging in video games... students acquire various problem-solving strategies. The level and nature of problem solving varies according to the type of the game; "fighter" / "shooter" games involve mostly defensive, survival strategies, while "God games" involve improvised ways of coping with more complex problems... In participating in games, students are also acquiring different scenarios or narratives for coping with challenges and conflicts... These problem-solving literacies transfer over to students' academic work" (14-15). Although I don't believe that ALL games hold a value transferable to the classroom (for example, I have a hard time accepting that children are learning when they rob and kill prostitutes in the Grand Theft Auto series), I couldn't help but begin to think about how the ever increasing ability for developers to "bring us into" the "world" of the game via technology stands to influence the ways in which we learn / exercise potentially valuable problem solving strategies / literacies.
Since the breakout of the Nintendo entertainment system in the 1980s, the gaming formula has been something like couch + controller + pizza box = entertainment. However, this extremely sedentary and individualistic paradigm of game development is undergoing great transformation as developers are introducing body motion / physical activity (in addition to everything that the Nintendo Wii has to offer, think of games such as DDR, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and the list goes on and on). Furthermore, with these kinesthetic-based games, the video gaming experience is no longer restricted to playing completely by the self. In fact, these games are often the centers of social activity at many parties and gatherings as people dance, sing, play instruments, golf, and otherwise "act out" the game. As Professor Beach continues to state, while using these new gaming technologies, "...game players are learning a range of social skills through this vicarious participation that assist them in coping with lived-world challenges" (15).
I can't help but ask myself "what's next?" when it comes to technology, and where gaming in particular can go. The videos bellow are examples of an incredible motion-based technology currently in development that I imagine will continue to transform the way we game / learn / socialize. As you watch these real, working technology demos, consider the educational possibilities as students could...
-design and wear virtual costumes for virtual role-plays, allowing them to even more sharply experiencing the particular role.
-design and navigate through virtual spaces for virtual role-plays.
-do the previous with students across the globe.
-select and read virtual books from virtual libraries.
-take virtual drivers ed.
-the list goes on and on.
The possibilities are truly endless. Please take the time to watch the tech demos bellow. They will absolutely blow you away. I apologies for the ads, but I assure you they are short.
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3 comments:
Hey Rick, your question of "what's next" brought to mind this book that I heard about concerning the subject of "singularity." While it might be total bologna, it certainly is an interesting concept about the future role of technology.
To have your mind totally blown, skip ahead in the article to the timeline.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Singularity_is_Near
Rick,
I wanted to add that I have learned much about ancient history through the role-playing video games that I used to (and still do) play. Many of the names of characters, enemies, locations, etc. have come from mythology and ancient history. When I look them up I find that the characters and things actually match the historical/mythological records.
Thanks for you comment, David. But that is very interesting. It just goes to show you how game developers have to be content experts just as we do in order to do their job well.
Also, have you ever played the Elder Scrolls series? If so, the developers relied heavily on Latin to come up with character names (e.g., Harmonious Lex). Wondering what this meant, I looked it up and noticed it translates to "Law." Out of curiosity, I then looked at a bunch of other Latin roots. Let's just say Latin looks like a tough language to learn. In short, about the only Latin instruction I've ever had was thanks to my exposure to a video game!
See you in chat on Thursday.
-Rick
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