Video Games in the Homeschool Classroom
Posted by
Steve in
Education on
Apr 28th, 2010 |
no responses
Many parents cringe at the thought of their children getting sucked into a video game and while I think there should be limits put on video game usage I do see video games as a great source of homeschool learning. This idea is a the core of unschooling but is not really that far off when we look at how simulators are used in many different training situations.
So, what can be learned from a video game?
- I think really the question that is more appropriate is, what can’t be learned from a video game? I have played games that force me to think critically on many levels. Even games that do not start out with education as the object will inevitably force kids to learn something. There are very few video games that do not force reading or some type of logic. Math is also a common thread through some games, whether it be through money calculations or some other means.
- There are games that teach driving skill, puzzle games, flight simulation, the list goes on and on. The fact that NASA, the Air Force, flight schools, driving school, etc. use simulators should go to show that they work. The Air Force has recently come out and said that new cadets that have video game skills do better in some aspects of their training.
- It is clear that video games can be a great teaching tool but it doesn’t stop there. Kids love video games, when you tell them to go play a game they feel like you are setting them free. Little do they know it is part of their learning day. Sneaky, I know, but it could be worse.
- Video games can also be used to solely get kids over that afternoon hump. Video games wake them up and can get them moving. They often get them out of the afternoon lull and can make them alert for the rest of the day.
- I do believe that you have to exercise caution when using video games. Kids can display addictive tendencies when it comes to video games at times, so their usage should be managed.
The truth is that if you are not using video games to teach your child you are missing out on many different aspects of learning. Video games are an excellent form of homeschool software that can have numerous different applications.