| CliCliW |
April 17th, 2014 3:29 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vanille Sky
(Post 8197009)
Hm, based on the previous responses, I wouldn't necessarily call video games "educational" in the sense that they provide us with additional knowledge that we may or may not have possessed originally, but rather they increase our mentalities. Like other members have mentioned, decision making, problem solving, etc. are all traits that are attributed to our cognitive processes, and I think that's the major benefit from video games. Of course there will be those individuals who argue video games lead to violence, but essentially, putting the content aside, the minuscule details and workings of video games I believe actually help us.
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Basically, this is exactly what I'd be inclined to say. I see games not as being educational in the common sense of the word, but more boosting cognitive processes. Like, games can't teach you how to solve a problem exactly, but they facilitate the ability to let you solve it in a safe environment. I'm thinking more about games like Catherine and Portal here, where Puzzle-Solving is at the heart of it. If you mess up, you can try again without any real negative consequences. Some games like that encourage "outside the box" ways of thinking, which can enhance decision making and creativity, but they don't teach you how to do something.
I think the best thing about learning through games is the trial and error idea.
Take Mario. "Oh, I'll run this way, look at that funny brown mushroom, what happens if I walk into- oh. I guess that's wrong. I'll jump over it." *Accidentally lands on it and kills it* "Oh, I can kinda fight them". (because lets face it, be it Mario or Halo, you do have an approach like this!)
I like how games inspire creativity though, like Little Big Planet, Portal, Happy Wheels, even COD:WaW, where you make your own levels and platforms for others to play. I do think that they can facilitate more creative thinking, and do cause people to get more hands on in games.
I want to point out that I like what someone mentioned about Minecraft and resource management: That's a pretty good point! :)
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