Learning Games or Learning Stimulating Games : An Indirect Approach to Learning Stimulating Effects from Off-the-Shelf Games

• Playing games to support learning is a classic concept that is seeing a revival today in the widespread use of computer games. Inserting educational content into various types of computer games is a strong trend that some researchers have described as a mad rush. The aim of this article is to discuss possible learning stimulating effects of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) games in a long-term perspective. We argue that COTS game players’ attitudes towards learning may change in a positive direction even in cases where direct learning outcomes are not aimed for. This may be the case when in-game skills are described in terms of real life skills commonly associated with higher education. When a high enough skill level is achieved, then and only then is the player rewarded with pleasant in-game experiences. The causality of the perceived experience is ideally that with high enough skills, positive stimulation follows. The contribution of the gaming lies not in the short-term learning outcome, but rather in the long-term effects it may have on future educational choices. Even if such a game do not fulfil the criteria for learning games it may still be seen as a learning stimulating game.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Systemvetenskap, informationssystem och informatik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Information Systems (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Learning stimulation

Computer games

Commercial off-the shelf games

Learning stimulating games

Games and learning

data- och systemvetenskap

Computer and Systems Sciences

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)