How to Use Computer Games to Increase Student Motivation
Computer games have had a place in educational institutions since the unveiling of the personal computer. Titles such as The Oregon Trail and other educational tools have helped students learn historical facts in an engaging and amusing way. The more advanced computer games today can increase student motivation by showing them new examples of how their daily studies translate into real-world effects. This can make a massive difference in the attitudes of students as they begin to see learning as more than an environment of tests and grades, and view them as elements of the world at large.
Instructions
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Use simulations to provide virtual environments. These can range from learning the effects of taxation on public services in SimCity to understanding market structure in highly advanced games such as Capitalism II. The simulations chosen should very closely model the lesson plan that you are using so that students will more deeply understand the game as they learn from the lessons.
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Provide computer games as an illustration. This is very useful when teaching instruments, keyboarding or other skills that require repetition and the memorization of techniques. Games such as "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" reinforce daily classes with additional practice and positive feedback in the form of compliments and sound effects.
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Allow historical games to take students back in time. Period games, such as those offered by the History Channel, immerse students in historical settings with examples that are beyond what is offered by text and pictures. This is great for teachers of social studies and history as they can give the student a sense of daily life during major turning points or events in history.
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Demonstrate practical applications for math and physics with these programs. Many games are built on powerful math and physics engines, and even seemingly simple titles such as World of Goo or Line Rider can be used to illustrate the effects of gravitational forces on stability. Math Blaster is a classic training program for young students that lets them zap obstacles for every correct answer, providing a sense of accomplishment for basic math studies.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that the game's difficulty and challenge matches the maturity level of your students. While young children may enjoy Math Blaster, the thrill of zapping asteroids is often lost on older classes.
Take care to ensure that any games used do not include blatantly controversial material. Avoid those games with ratings above "T for Teen" from the Entertainment Software Review Board.
