Philosophy of Using Games in the Classroom

Games should be incorporated in the classroom setting.  Playing games encourages the use of strategy, planning, coordination, and higher order thinking skills depending on the type of game one is engaged in.  These skills can be applied to real life situations and games are a great way of getting students excited and motivated about a particular subject.  Learning that occurs through the act of play can appear less intimidating, more fun, and can even provide a level of engagement not produced through traditional modes of education (ie. chalk and talk).  Many skills including digital media literacy and online citizenship can be developed through game playing or game designing scenarios.  In addition, implementing these types of programs are relatively simply from a coordination perspective because all schools have access to computers and the Internet.  Even districts that feel they have a greater digital divide can utilize student friendly game programming sites because they are often free.  I think if we don’t utilize games in the classroom we are certainly missing a profound opportunity to engage our students in a way that has a positive influence on their digital future.