The document discusses the benefits of using computer games in education. Computer games can improve student achievement through interactive learning, feedback, and dividing content into smaller pieces. They also promote problem solving, decision making, memory, imagination, and cooperative/competitive behaviors. The document provides examples of how games can be used in classrooms for motivation, summarization, personalized learning, and cross-curricular links. It also discusses students creating their own games using tools like Alice and Millionaire templates.

1. Computer Games Lydia Johnson February 2010

2. Objectives - What are the benefits of using computer games in teaching and learning. - How can computer games be used in the classroom - Some examples of English computer games - Students creating their own computer games - Extra information

3. What are the benefits of using computer games in teaching and learning MacKenty 2006 – stated that commercial games make excellent learning tools. They are interacting with their environment and learning through trail and error. Ota and DuPaul 2006 – credit the improvement in the students’ achievement to the computer games because they provide highlights of essential, uses multiple sensory features, divides content materials into smaller bits of information and provides immediate feedback. Kearney 2007 – stated that video games offer students more than entertainment, they are learning. . . Edward 2006 - stated that students are learning through a constructivist method and they are problem solving . . . Bottino and Ott 2006 – stated that computer games can be powerful tools for supporting learning. Segers and Verhoeven 2005 – stated that it is possible to enhance early literacy development in children with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds using a computer games.

4. What are the benefits of using computer games in teaching and learning Computer games are visually stimulating Computer games can be used to promote cross curricular links Computer games can be used to promote project based learning Computer games can have a positive effect on motivation and behaviour . Van Deventer and White 2002 – stated that the use of computer games is linked to the following learning techniques – problem solving, decision making, developing short and long term memory. . Gee 2003 – computer games encourage different ways of learning and thinking and provide the opportunity to teach and practice new skills and encourage imagination, creativity and exploration . . Filipczak 1997 – stated that computer games encourage interpersonal relationships, encouraging cooperative and competitive behaviour.

5. How can computer games be used in the classroom Starter Plenary Personalised learning Students can watch or play a game for 5 or 10 minutes at the start of the lesson. This can be used to motivate students for the objectives of the lesson. Click on the picture for more details. Use a game to summarise the objectives or the key words of the lesson. Click on the image for details. Original Japanese Sudoku game with puzzles ranging from easy to very difficult. Click on the image to play.

6. How can computer games be used in the classroom Cross curricular links Project based learning Huntsville provides a collection of intriguing mysteries and brain-teasers to solve. There are picture puzzles to ponder, strange crime scenes to explore, and much, much, more! With thousands of hidden clues it's a new game each time you play! Indian Jones and The Lost Treasure of Pharaoh Help Indiana Jones find the lost treasure of Pharaoh, but watch out for the booby traps set to stop you. Click on the image for more information.

7. Some examples of computer games for English Crosswords BestCrosswords.com offers a variety of online and printable crossword puzzles. All the crossword puzzles on this site are free and play directly in your web browser. Click on the image to find out more. Project Nerva Interactive role playing adventure. Students engage in a multi modal ICT project to develop their create writing and imagination. Click on the image for more information.

8. Students creating their own computer games Alice – click here for more information Alice is a 3D programming environment to create a story and to play an interactive game. In Alice, 3D objects are used to create a virtual world . Who wants to be a millionaire. Students can create their own who wants to be a millionaire games using the template (click on the image for this template). The questions and answers can be related to any topic or subject.

9. Extra information Nintendo DS Students can play cross curricular games It can be used to improve language acquisition Students can write and design their own games The brain Gym game develops mental maths skills Use graphic software to add yourself to the game. Useful and interesting websites Games based learning conference in the UK http://gamebasedlearning2009.com/ Be involved in a discussion on games based learning http://www.gamebasedlearning.org.uk/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=58&?board=12.0