I think that in theory this is a good idea. We are now in the age of computers, where students’ attention span is limited, so why not have them learn with a video game? However, I think that in practice this is actually a bad idea. Although it would be fun, and an active way for students to participate, these types of things can get dangerous, especially if "outsiders" are allowed to be involved as well. As similar type phenomenon is the game "Second Life". Second Life, is a game, played on the internet, which involves people playing roles as well. You can do anything from DJ at a club for internet cash, to build your own home, and much much more. While this is an interesting game for many people, there have been accounts of dangerous activity that is simulated in the game, which then leak into the “real world”. For example one can prostitute themselves on this game and actually make money from it. I have also read articles where couples have been dating in “real life” and then they find their spouses cheating on “second life”, causing them to get divorced. While this is example of computer games is a little bit different and maybe seen as “fun and games” I think it really blurs the line between reality and fantasy. I understand that some conventional ways of teaching may seem dated, but this approach just does not seem practical, what skills can be learned in this type of “classroom”?
Welcome to the official WR121: Genre Blog. This site will allow students to take classroom converstions out of the private sphere of the classroom and into the public realm.
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I think that in theory this is a good idea. We are now in the age of computers, where students’ attention span is limited, so why not have them learn with a video game? However, I think that in practice this is actually a bad idea. Although it would be fun, and an active way for students to participate, these types of things can get dangerous, especially if "outsiders" are allowed to be involved as well.
As similar type phenomenon is the game "Second Life". Second Life, is a game, played on the internet, which involves people playing roles as well. You can do anything from DJ at a club for internet cash, to build your own home, and much much more. While this is an interesting game for many people, there have been accounts of dangerous activity that is simulated in the game, which then leak into the “real world”. For example one can prostitute themselves on this game and actually make money from it. I have also read articles where couples have been dating in “real life” and then they find their spouses cheating on “second life”, causing them to get divorced. While this is example of computer games is a little bit different and maybe seen as “fun and games” I think it really blurs the line between reality and fantasy. I understand that some conventional ways of teaching may seem dated, but this approach just does not seem practical, what skills can be learned in this type of “classroom”?
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