| Forum Home > XGames Gaming General > General Game Discussions > Can Video Games Help Us Learn? | |
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 Trance-xg Member Posts: 342 |
Computers and games have been influencing the way we learn for quite some time now largely due to military foresight, primarily the US military’s funding, and it appears to be paying dividends in some respects. Militaries around the world are making use of simulators and investing in their development due to their low cost compared to purchasing real equipment which is typically in the billions, repair costs to equipment, and there simply not being enough real equipment to practice on. If you have ever encountered a simulation program, essentially a video game with a focus on learning, then you have surely been surprised by the amount that can be learned in a short time even given some of their steep learning curves. Even commercially available flight simulators offer a wealth of knowledge that novice pilots or air traffic controllers can use to hone their skills. In addition to learning and practicing skills, simulators oddly enough have also been used as a recruitment tool. The remainder of this paper will maintain that simulators / video games are a beneficial learning tool in some cases as evidenced by military examples.  America’s Army, Full Spectrum Warrior, and Operation Flashpoint are all commercially popular simulators of choice available because they offer realistic environments, objectives, and great difficulty. Perhaps the most renown of them is America’s Army since asides from being a teaching tool it has doubled as a recruitment tool. While the ethical question of freely circulating the US military approved game as a free download to anyone who desires a free copy will not be discussed, it should be noted that the software has attracted many new faces to the military. Where America’s Army shines is in its execution of objectives. This simulator can be painstakingly difficult for those unwilling to do things the prescribed way. For those who choose to follow orders, virtual awards and medallions are a point of pride to some. The difficulty and attention to detail in this program are what make it especially useful for teaching visual learners by doing what they see. Being able to see military strategy in action is a valuable tool for those struggling to grasp some tactics such as suppression, flanking, and others. Other than strategy, basic skills can also be improved after some time with a simulator. Whether from a lack of coordination or fear of handling a weapon, simulators have consistently shown that practicing on them for some time and then advancing to live rounds can yield positive results with more targets being hit.  When an airplane flies overhead we rarely think of how much training and communication is involved in getting it from point A to B. When dealing with the lives of tens or hundreds of people on one airplane it is critical that the pilot and air traffic controller work harmoniously together and understand fully what the other is saying. Being able to understand and practice the IFR and VFR systems is crucial and with the use of simulators the learning process is as beneficial as learning on-site but with zero risk. The same can be said for military pilots which train exhaustively on simulators as they cost only a fraction of what a real jet would. Being that all things are scarce, even military equipment for countries like the US, it makes sense having plenty of pilots being able to get their time in with a simulator and then moving on to the real thing when it is available. In the long run having pilots on simulators will result in them being better trained and more likely to accomplish their mission.  Apart from the on-ground and in-air aspects of the military, commanding one is also an important skill that can be improved by spending time with a simulator. While it is obvious to some that the skills of pilots and soldiers can be improved with a simulator, it is often misunderstood how games like the Command and Conquer series reflect the real world. The proper name of the strategy is Command and Control and much like the game, the program revolves around the issuing of orders through a satellite system to soldiers. In the simulator many of the same protocol are adhered to and it is a useful tool when dealing with a mission that is complex or unstable. Having a superior communications system can help remove the fog of war, resulting in a more informed fighting force. This equates to either knowing where the enemy is, or fighting in the dark. Having a commander spend time on a simulator and better understanding how military units move and react will result in greater success. I believe that these examples show that learning can be possible through simulators and video games, but their usefulness in the traditional classroom is questionable at best. This sort of learning is best suited for tasks which do not require a paper and pen. While it may sound like a fun and attractive way to bribe struggling kids to put more effort towards their studies, a sort of Shakespeare RPG or Gears of War auto mechanic game would probably not be able to meet the needs of young students. What do you guys think? Is it possible for any genre or game to be a learning opportunity for an individual? What are some games you think do a good job? |
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| Forum Home > XGames Gaming General > General Game Discussions > Can Video Games Help Us Learn? | |
