Beyond the Book: Computer Games Find New Role
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: October 8, 2012
Computer games are not only entertaining, they're often challenging and require lots of skill to master.
But, researchers are finding out that computer games have even more to offer, such as helping answer science's most difficult problems.
According to the Learning Foundation, 77-percent of high school students play games. By the time they get to college, that number is nearly 100-percent.
"I think that games are actually a new medium through which education can be delivered," says Professor Zoran Popovic, with the Center for Game Science (CGS) at the University of Washington.
The professor is the mastermind behind Foldit, a game that made gaming and scientific history.
Within weeks, people playing this game came up with a solution to life threatening problems -involving proteins - one that scientists had struggled for years to solve. Because the players were putting their minds together collectively and competing, they came up with answers.
The same principles can apply to games for students of any age. They can teach reading, grammar, and math. The best of games are engaging and educational. And they can be tailored to anyone.
At Education Nation, we asked students and teachers what they want in games. Based on those answers, Popovic and his team at the University of Washington created a brand new Education Nation game, in less than two days.
Games are not necessarily used for a significant educational benefit, but I think that is about to change," Professor Popovic says.
A change that is not going away - and one that teachers and parents will no doubt learn - to like.
Click here to check out the game Prof. Popovic created.
But, researchers are finding out that computer games have even more to offer, such as helping answer science's most difficult problems.
According to the Learning Foundation, 77-percent of high school students play games. By the time they get to college, that number is nearly 100-percent.
"I think that games are actually a new medium through which education can be delivered," says Professor Zoran Popovic, with the Center for Game Science (CGS) at the University of Washington.
The professor is the mastermind behind Foldit, a game that made gaming and scientific history.
Within weeks, people playing this game came up with a solution to life threatening problems -involving proteins - one that scientists had struggled for years to solve. Because the players were putting their minds together collectively and competing, they came up with answers.
The same principles can apply to games for students of any age. They can teach reading, grammar, and math. The best of games are engaging and educational. And they can be tailored to anyone.
At Education Nation, we asked students and teachers what they want in games. Based on those answers, Popovic and his team at the University of Washington created a brand new Education Nation game, in less than two days.
Games are not necessarily used for a significant educational benefit, but I think that is about to change," Professor Popovic says.
A change that is not going away - and one that teachers and parents will no doubt learn - to like.
Click here to check out the game Prof. Popovic created.
