“A Neurologist Makesthe Case for the Video Game Model as a Learning Tool”
A response to an interesting article.
I found
this article to be quite intriguing. I always wondered why video games were so
alluring to children and now to understand why, the release of dopamine in the
brain because of achievement, is a no brainer when it comes to implementing
this model into the classroom. If we, teachers, start implementing some of
these same ideas in the classroom, I believe we will see a change in the effort
put in by our students in their own learning process. We would see more
eagerness form the students to want to learn instead of loathing of having to
be at school. I believe teachers need to implement the idea of showing the
incremental achievement of each student as much as possible so that the
students can see their achievement rather than just wondering if they have even
gained any ground at all. Perhaps if students experienced the same reaction as
they receive when playing video games, perhaps learning would become as addictive
or alluring as video games.
In addition if learning was as addictive or
alluring as video games were what would it mean for our society and future.
Would our world look any different, perhaps we would be able to develop new
technologies faster or perhaps the world would be more prosperous and it would
get rid of starvation or our reliance on fossil fuels. Who knows what a world with
more educated peoples have for the world? Sure, this is hypothetical, but one can only
imagine the possibilities. Hopes for a better future, takes time to become
reality, but it has to start somewhere.
Jesse,
ReplyDeleteWhat you have posted makes me think. I do agree that the feedback given when playing video games or educational games is a model we can do more of in the classrooms. We in the CAPS program know all to well the differences when we get our grades back promptly, or unfortunately receive nothing till on our transcripts-which is permanent. The later feels powerless. There is the need for some feedback and not just a grade in the process of learning, because we are learning, and need to have guidelines, and goals. We need to be stretched, and encouraged. I do agree with Suzanne and Julie that there is an irreplaceable aspect of the intrapersonal drive that video games can encourage, but definitely cannot be replaced. God created us with WILL. We can will to do the wrong things that no one can reason with. I'm glad we're not robots, computers, or controlable in these ways, but people have to ultimately choose to do the right things even when there is no possitive feedback, no one looking, and no reward. "the video game model as a learning tool" is just that, a tool. And we know tools can be used correctly, or incorrectly. So as you can see, all of this has got me thinking...
Hey Jesse, great writing as usual! I appreciate your response to the article we read. I wrote more negatively towards the article and I'm not sure if it is an age thing, or is it that I fear technology because it is moving too fast for my liking. Right now because it isn't a scientific proven fact that technology helps all students, I am on the fence about it. We do know that video games keep kids' attention however. I think that I missed a couple points of the article in that video games are a good model for the importance of engaging students and you brought up this point in your blog as well as in our discussion last week. I know I need to be open about it, and since my mantra this year is to embrace technology and not fear it, I will see more positive outcomes than if I just refused to ignore it. I am curious if the school where you work will move forward in technology as well and get the super cool interactive whiteboards. I'm sure you are hoping as well!
ReplyDelete