Ok, let me start out by saying that the not so secret nerd in me loves the fact that the author of Good Video Games and Good Learning enjoys half-life and halo and zelda! It reminds me of an intensely nerdy conversation I once had with a lot of my quote 'gamer' friends. We were discussing the highly successful and obsessive qualities video games have in our lives. Point two in the article sort of touches on the idea of our conversation. The idea was that many current high intensity video games require an intense level of commitment and socialization. These games deal with loyalty, problem solving, long-term strategy, and passion. I mean, let's be honest, you can't commit to a raid in WOW and then leave half way through. You'd detrimentally ruin long-built relationships with fellow gamers. Which, to some, may sound ridiculous... long term relationships with people you don't even know? But hey, you share common interests and passions- the beginnings to any friendship.
As my friends pointed out- if you applied these characteristics (loyalty, problem-solving, passion, strategy, and intense time commitments), any other field would greatly advance. Imagine a business world in which business men and women are willing to spend many hours solving a complicated problem with strangers overseas... and enjoy every moment of it! Or, students that want to learn at such high levels that they love collaborating with other students for many hours a night- problem solving and working together to reach a common goal! If we could infuse that gamer passion into the educational world, imagine the power and joy student would have with knowledge! It's an intriguing idea.
Ok, so now that you know how much of a dork I am... I'll leave you with this (because you wish you could pull this off wearing a white tux!):
Blog's followed:
Chris Lehmann (http://practicaltheory.org/serendipity/index.php?/authors/1-Chris-Lehmann)
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ReplyDeleteI totally agree! We need to harness that video game captivation and dedication. I can remember going back to middle school and teachers saying... now if you only put that kind of effort into your school work.. look how much more you could accomplish!
ReplyDeleteHi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI love the notion of video game as personal passion! If, as teachers we can find means to inspire, motivate students in ours subjects, we succeed. The notion of Video games as motivating instructional tools has potential. Love the video, as it demonstrates the connection between technology and personal interest /passion.
Take care,
Mindy
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI really like what you said,
“Imagine a business world in which business men and women are willing to spend many hours solving a complicated problem with strangers overseas... and enjoy every moment of it! Or, students that want to learn at such high levels that they love collaborating with other students for many hours a night- problem solving and working together to reach a common goal!”
Sadly, Mr. Gee emphasized that a pieces of education must take into account Competition and Globalization. Does this mean that we are not supposed to be making friends or playing games with people oversees?
I guess the old trend of justifying things by saying that were behind other nations in education still holds???