Trendspotting: Game Theory
News broke this week of a $1 million grant to the American Library Association from Verizon to study how games can be used to improve literacy and problem solving. The grant will fund efforts by library gaming experts from around the country to monitor usage in the field and develop a tool kit that libraries can use to implement effective programs.
Meanwhile, I was pleasantly surprised to walk into my gym, the local YMCA, a few weeks ago and discover a new "Interactive Fun Zone." This large area seems to target both kids and adults and features trampolines, Dance Dance Revolution games, stationary bikes with integrated racing video games, and more. The flyer advertising the new feature boasts: "With all the latest video games and not a single couch, the Y Interactive Fun Zone helps busy families stay active and fit." As someone who knows from personal experience that plain old exercise can be less than engaging, this seems like a smart, common-sense approach to engage kids and others in physical activity—especially in an age where childhood obesity is a major issue and sedentary entertainment options abound.
What do you think of the efforts to use video games in achieving positive academic and physical outcomes? Are there similar efforts in your community?
I have seen a lot of progress with the use of games in math. I have seen movement games, computer games, card games and board games. Most of these games focused on a particular math skill, like multiplication. Since so many of the math skills overlap it wasn't uncommon to see drastic improvement in math performance. I have seen less in the area of reading. I wonder what is out there and what other commenters think works best.
Posted by: dcowart | July 02, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I am a high school math teacher and I am curious of how I could use different game theory to improve and excite my classroom. I'm sure at the elementary level it would be very easy to incorporate video games dealing with basic math operations, but hopefully there are programs and "games" that I could use at the high school level.
Posted by: Aaron | July 02, 2008 at 10:56 PM
We will be developing portals where kids are involved in educational games, as well as coursework and Kribtopia. Kribtopia will be a place where kids create projects online and OUTSIDE...and bring back the information to the portals. Though we are a "positive empowering" social network, we are trying to take a different approach in learning and game play, as well as building self esteem in our designs. Kribaseedia is preety neat to, anyone can build coursework..with expert guidance and advice. Join us!
Posted by: Michael Vitelli | July 06, 2008 at 05:59 PM
I think games can benefit kids academically and physically, although I only have personal experience with the academic games.
At the elementary school level, online games help teachers review concepts in a novel, interactive manner. Dozens of government sites (my favorite is BAM.gov) also expose students to information they might not otherwise have access to. I also believe that games help reach some of the kids that are difficult to reach because they are fun. I think that online games are one tool in making learning enjoyable for kids.
Posted by: Brooke | July 14, 2008 at 07:04 PM
As a school teacher I find online games very useful in the classroom. I do not have a very positive attitude when it comes to the video games that kids are playing at home but I realize that it is something they enjoy and get excited about so at least I can focus that excitement toward more academic based games. It also seems that more and more curriculums are coming out with computer games so that students get more practice with new skills in a fun and interactive way. It will be interesting to see what technological resources there will be in the future.
Posted by: Tia Ross | July 14, 2008 at 07:52 PM
I am an elementary school teacher and I love using academic and physical games in my classroom. At a time when we are so focused on state testing, it is easy to lose the fun out of learning. Games can bring that back and make it an enjoyable experience for students. Math games are the easiest to purchase however you have to get creative with other subjects. A lot of times I end up making up my own based on my school's curriculum. It takes time and effort but the kids love it and I can use it year after year. Reading is the most difficult and I am still working on that one. When preparing for our state tests, I need to focus on comprehension. Many times I will take a released test and have all the students read the selection. Then take any gameboard and have them answer the questions and move through out. While it isn't the best game, it keeps their interest. They would much rather participate in that then sit at their desk, alone, and do yet ANOTHER practice test.
Posted by: Ashley | July 15, 2008 at 01:29 PM
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Posted by: Reflections | July 18, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Interesting story. I assume you're being witty, but I should point out that game theory (a branch of applied mathematics) has nothing to do with video games, a point other commentors seem to have missed.
Posted by: Justin | July 27, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I found this great site http://www.k5stars.com It allows me to chose the games that my kids play and what they will learn while playing. My 5 and 9 year old love it and teachers can use it too. It also alows me to check their progress on the subject at hand!
Posted by: Eileen | September 09, 2008 at 01:09 AM