Weekly Blog 7

Last week’s class again focused a lot on video games. Different groups took turns presenting their games to the class. I found this aspect of class very interesting, as I was able to gain a better understanding of the classroom applications of video games. Some of the games seemed like they either had little educational value or were not that practical for a classroom setting. I was surprised that a game from my childhood, Math Blaster, had advanced to the point where one would almost need a controller to play it. Some games did seem educational though. I feel that Diner Tycoon definitely has some advantages, as one must think critically about math and running a business. I still am not quite sold on the practicality of video games in the class however. I certainly could not see video games playing a major role in the curriculum of any teacher. Perhaps on a day where there is a substitute or not much going on, a teacher could allow their students to play some games, but then other issues arise. For example, most classrooms are not equipped with enough computers for all the kids to play. This could create distractions in the classroom. I feel like the primary benefits to educational video games it that they can be played at home. The question I have is can video games be made to be educational but at the same time have enough appeal that kids will want to regularly play them outside of school. There exist a few games, like Oregon Trail, that seem to offer this but not nearly enough.