Integrate Fun and Learning with Games

Children are always up for a good game. Well,time to work on multiplication, but if you bring out
who isn't? Pretend that you are back in school.a computer game - poof! They suddenly want to
For the rest of the class period you have twogo through their multiplication tables. The
choices as to how you can spend your time.computer game presents the same academic
Option #1 is to struggle through endless arithmeticmaterial, but makes it fun by integrating colorful
and English worksheets without any feedbackanimations and cool sounds. Plus, computer games
except for a stamp that says "Great Job!" Optionallow for instant feedback and gratification. We
#2 is to work on the same arithmetic and Englishhave become a society that runs on instant
content, but on a computer. Yes, you can play agratification. A computer game can provide this
computer game to learn your numbers and verbs.feedback and it can also provide a means of
Which option would you choose? Which optioncompetition. You will be stretched to find a
would children most likely choose? Option #2 ofstudent that wants to "beat" their worksheet, but
course!a child who wants to beat a computer game?
Using computer software in education is not aYou will find them everywhere you look.
new concept. Computer games have been usedComputer games are advertised as forms of
as a learning tool for the past two decadesentertainment, which they most certainly are, but
because they help students with basic skills, logic,they are learning avenues as well. Gamers of all
problem solving, and various other academic skills.ages are learning every time they play a game.
The Oregon Trail was a popular computer gameFor example, there are games that work on your
in the 1980's. This game helped students to workbusiness skills. Games like Lemonade Tycoon and
on their planning and problem solving skills. If youMall Tycoon are prime examples. You are learning
have ever played that game you might havethe skills to succeed in a business through
realized that it was difficult to complete the trail.simulation. Simulation is how many professionals
Everyone in my wagon always died of Cholera.acquire the skills for their occupation. Even though
Parents and educators that are unfamiliar withyou are in a computerized environment, you can
computer game technology may automaticallystill come across many different business
dismiss the use of computer games for learning.situations.
They view computer games as nothing butComputer software is here to stay. Email will one
"shoot 'em up" and mind numbing entertainment.day override handwritten communication and
As avid computer gamers we all know that theyperhaps games will take over traditional education.
are way off base. Just think of all the problemGranted games most likely will not take over
solving, logic, and planning that goes into workingtraditional education, but they should become part
on a team in a computer game, playing a puzzle,of the educational experience. A child is learning
or figuring out a code.while playing a computer game. Their memory
There are computer games that are specificallyand reaction time increases. They are sharpening
based around educational learning standards.various parts of their brain. The key is to play a
These games explicitly include counting, grammar,mixture of games that range from pure
etc. They range from learning software that hasentertainment to ones that are specifically
a battery of tests to mimic standardized testingdesigned for educational skill sets.
to fun, interactive learning games such as CaillouIf your child or student is having trouble with
Magic Playhouse. This game allows a child to learnmath, English or any academic subject, set them
about numbers, patterns, spelling, phonics, andup with a computer game. Their interest in
many other skills.learning will soar. Computer games can bring any
One advantage of using computer games instudent that is hesitant about school to learning
education is that the student is learning whetherwhether they realize it or not. Computer games
they realize it or not. Many children sigh when it ismake learning fun.