Will Game-Based
Learning be the Future of Education?
I’m a digital native. I was born with computers and the internet at
my disposal. I don’t think that any of elementary, middle, or high school
classrooms lacked computers. Most of my classmates and I have virtually no
knowledge of a time without Google, iTunes, or video game systems. This makes me wonder what my potential
children and the children of my classmates will grow up being native to. What technology will be available to them and
what will their education be like? What
is the future of education?
I recently read Jamie Sarrio’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution interview
with Bill Gates discussing his vision of the classroom of the not-to-distant
future. He envisions students grouped
according to their abilities using computers and simulators, and being taught
lessons by both human and virtual teachers.
Gates foresees a technology focused, game-based learning environment in
classrooms across the United States. His
foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has recently pledged to
invest $20 million dollars in teacher tools and technologies to make the
classroom of the future a reality for students and they’ve already given
$500,000 to the state of Georgia’s educational system.
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As a
software developer, Gates recognizes the enthusiasm that kids have for playing
video games. He believes that winning is
a great motivator for them and feels “that students should be able to move to
the next level when ready,” a known educational benefit of game-based learning
(Sarrio).
Gates sees
the implementation of the Common Core Initiative, a state-led plan by the
National Governor’s Association to prepare students for college and the
workforce, as a huge opportunity to integrate even more technology into the classroom
in the form of game-based learning.
Because of this initiative, the Gates Foundation has brought together a
team of the best test designers and game designers to create games to help
students become college and workforce ready. Gate’s says, “Imagine if kids put
their time and enthusiasm into a video game that taught them math concepts, but
they barely noticed, because it was so enjoyable” (Sarrio). Gates recognizes the appealing attribute of
game-based learning. Students are drawn
into a game and begin learning before they have a chance to let their hang-ups
about learning kick in.
I think
Gates’ view of the classroom of the future is a necessity to prepare students
for college and the workforce. The
majority of today’s students enter the classroom equipped with a wide variety
of technological experiences. They’re
accustomed to using the computer, playing video games, and using a laptop, iPad
or smartphone in a home setting and are often disappointed, or bored, with the
traditional “old school” learning environment.
In my opinion, schools of the future will be forced to adapt to a more
technology-based, game-based classroom to meet the growing technological needs
of their students.
Sources:
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