This week we read Squire's From Content to Context which discussed the role of video games in learning and education. I found this article very interesting considering I have played games in the past for school, like Math Blasters. Squire points out important elements about how players discover the ways in which they can be successful in video games, such as Citizen Science and Civilization, without direct assistance from the game itself. The players observe the game and learn on their own while unconsciously becoming educated about a particular topic. Citizen Science is a great example of this type of game. It introduces its players to the environmental consequences of our actions and how one slight change can affect the world around us. It also emphasizes the importance of educating others about environmental problems by providing evidence.
In class, we also discussed how this type of learning was similar to Montessori schools. Montessori schools give children the freedom and spontaneity to choose different activities that interest them. When children choose these activities, they unconsciously learn different concepts on their own with the guidance of a teacher. The topic of Montessori schools was brought up in my Developmental Psychology class this past week and we discussed how it positively assisted children during their cognitive development. This connection could prove crucial towards education in the future. To some extent, can video games become a form of education that improves children's thought process and development?
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