Could Video Games and Social Networking Make Better Learners?
Despite calls that the Scottish education system has slipped in recent times, thanks to the former Musselburgh deputy head teacher, Ollie Bray, the country is at the forefront of a move within schools to incorporate more video games and the internet as a means to make students learn better. So how does edutainment work? And could we see such method employed nationwide, and at other levels of education? As is reported at news.scotsman.com, Bray has developed a pilot scheme that involves the popular Activision computer game, Guitar Hero, and its use to get children to form their own virtual rock bands in the classroom. The learning comes from having to work as a team, discussing geography for tours, designing merchandise, and even the building of relationships. Yet, the idea isn’t completely new. Nintendo’s video game, Nintendogs, has also been used to teach children via managing a virtual kennel, using money, designing logos and making business plans. After winning an award at the Micro
