Video Games and the Future of Learning

Good video games incorporate good learning principles, principles that are supported by research in the Learning Sciences. This is because the games are often long, complex, and difficult – and if they could not be learned and mastered, they would not be played. Video games are, in fact, problem solving spaces in which learning and mastery appear in the guise of entertainment. The principles incorporated into good video games can be applied to learning outside the sphere of entertainment, as well, especially if we want learners to use their knowledge (not just pass paper-and-pencil tests) and engage in innovation – two qualities not always fostered by current schooling. At the same time, video game technologies suggest new ways to assess learning that are deeper and fairer than many of our current assessment systems.

Handouts and the slides can be downloaded below.