Online Games

I feel that online games are more helpful to education then they are harmful. As long as they are monitored, appropriate for student use, and related to what is being taught within the classroom, they can be great support tools. Students don't all learn the same way, nor do they all keep attention the same. Due to this, online games can be another method to use within the classroom that can support the learning styles and attention spans of certain students. It can also be an alternative when a student isn't grasping the information being taught. Whether it's another way to look at something, or just a tool that's being used to drive the information home to students.

The article I found online that supports my argument is called, "ALTEC Learning Games: Successful Integration of Learning and Gaming". It can be found at, http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED507103.

This article is actually written by a gaming company. They talk about the specifics of some of their games as well as why they can be beneficial in the classroom. "ALTEC Learning Games utilizes the excitement of video games to engage students and provide teachers authentic online resources that reinforce skills in math and language arts" (http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED507103).

The article touches on how video games and online games help students process information faster. They give another method of teaching difficult information, and they promote community learning. All of these reasons are specifically reasons why I would suggest the use of online games within a classroom. Students can also gain retention skills when it comes to learning new and complex skills through utilizing online games.

Even though this website may be a little biased in regards to the fact that it was written by a gaming company, the points that they made within the article are all points that I agree with. They support my view on how a game can be helpful within a classroom instead of harmful. I think some teachers may struggle with this idea at first, but I don't see anything wrong in trying to utilize a vast amount of methods and resources to support our students.