More video games in schools

It looks like video game makers are really liking this games in schools idea. NESTA Future Labs reports that they are teaming up with EA Games to study how video games can be used in UK classrooms to help students learn:

“The research project, named Teaching with Games, will begin in September 2005. It aims to explore the practical issues surrounding the use of interactive computer games in schools and the changes needed to better support learning in schools across Europe.

The study will look at what children can learn from computer games, how best to introduce games into the classroom and what changes might be required to make them relevant to the educational environment. Computer games are beginning to be introduced to schools but do they really work as a tool for education? The practicalities of using games in the classroom will be explored through trials in selected secondary schools in the UK.”

Now, I love video games and I love education. I’ve even written about how video games can help kids gain digital literacy skills. But I’m always worried when private companies get in on public education.

While the EA folks all gush about games offering kids “intellectual challenge and stimulation” and helping ensure “that gaming in education supports both the teaching and learning goals of today and tomorrow” , that inner voice tells me that EA are wetting themselves at the chance of scoring that coveted “gatekeeper approval” and getting their brand into that last bastion of commercial-free public space: schools.

I’m all for trying out video games in schools. Let’s see what kids will learn. Let’s also see how long it takes for EA to turn it into a branding campaign on a young captive audience. I’m starting my egg timer now.

tagged: [video_games] [schools] [education]