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“The best gaming experiences stimulate the mind and encourage creative thinking”
Ian Livingstone writes that;
“But there is strong evidence to suggest that games skills equal life skills, and that playing games is actually good for you. Human beings are playful by nature. We enter this world as babies, interacting with everything around us. We learn through play and trial and error, both fundamental to games. Humans love solving puzzles which is central to games like Tetris, Candy Crush Saga and Angry Birds. We love to build and share, the very essence of Minecraft, which can be described as digital LEGO. Whether it’s playing activity games like Wii Sports (burning calories at the same time), simulation games like Sim City, strategy games like Civilisation, or social games like Words with Friends, the experience is likely to be enjoyable and beneficial. Think about the cognitive process of what is happening when games are being played. It’s a case of hands on, minds on. Interactivity puts the player in control of the action, and that is very engaging and powerful.”
To read the full article click here;
DigiToolkit: Why we love Candy Crush, Angry Birds & Minecraft Lessons about Gaming & Education
Here is a great video/lesson on the educational power of digital games and how using the principles of good game design teachers can improve their instruction.
The introduction is kind of slow – she starts with a survey – but, be patient (or skip ahead 1 to 2 minutes) and your will learn about the power of games for learning.
Enjoy!
Related articles
- From Angry Birds to Minecraft – What games teach us about learning – an #iste13 session (murcha.wordpress.com)
- Five Reasons Why You Should Play Minecraft with Your Child (closefamilies.wordpress.com)