Games for Learning: Formal Vs. Informal Learning

To what extent do you think computer games can teach knowledge and skills associated with formal classroom learning?

How about using games such as these for informal, or lifelong, learning outside of classroom environments?

When it comes to logical reasoning and understanding cause and effect, how would you think about the usefulness of games?

Alternatively, what about eye-hand coordination or other motor skills issues?

I believe in a way, to a certain extent that computer games can teach knowledge and skills associated with formal classroom learning. I have played my fair share of education-based games, and although it may be a bit fun an easier, it will only last for so long. In my opinion formal learning and video game really don't mix well. Not learning altogether but just formal learning, now when it comes to informal learning, games bring a lot to the table. With my extensive gaming knowledge and experience I have only witnessed a few titles to mix in learning and fun effectively to the point where I could play for an extended amount of time. Games such as Big Brain Academy have done and excellent job in mixing great formal learning (Math, memory building, problem solving) and fun.

I believe all games have a form of informal learning.

I have devised an outline to illustrate how all games have a particular benefit when it comes to informal learning skills.

Game Genres

A. Action games -

1. Platform games - teaches searching abilities

2. Shooter games - teaches hand-eye coordination

a. Artillery

b. First-Person Shooters - quick reflex and accuracy

B. Adventure game - builds imagination, how to complete tasks/missions

C. Casual games

1. Board game - teaches strategy, thinking ahead, rules and regulations

2. Puzzle/action/arcade - helps thinking abilities, teaches reflex skills

D. Role-Playing - environments where the player must interact with other characters

1. Roguelikes - cause and effect, direction and punishment

2. MMORPGs - teaches people skills, community involvement, networking

E. Simulation - self-explanatory, it simulates

1. Flight simulator - teaches user how to handle flying vehicles

2. Space simulator - same as flight simulator

a. Space shooters - IDK? How to battle aliens? (Future skills lol)

3. Construction and management simulation

b. City-building - money handling, economics, supply and demand

4. Artificial life simulation - teaches life situation/time management/physical hygiene

F. Sports - teaches teamwork skills and competitive play

1. Racing games - teaches hi-speed and quick reflex skills, motor skills (test the players eyes and ability to make decisions at high speeds with little to no time span)

G. Strategy games

1. Real-time strategy/tactical - teaches instant thinking skills

2. Turn-based strategy/tactical - teaches thinking ahead/predict outcomes

H. Other genes

1. Music/dance - teaches rhythm and coordination

Those are just a few benefits of those genres that teach in informal learning.

When it comes to logical reasoning and understanding cause and effect the usefulness of games are very helpful. I mean that's the whole point in games, cause and effect, do this to get that. And with these ever evolving "sandbox" games that have multiple endings depending on how you play and interact in the game, cause and effect plays a big role in today's games. The decision to do right or wrong, take one path rather than the other, use different strategies all play along in games and will increasingly tie into cause and effect.

With my personal experience I find many learning opportunities in Role-playing games. They challenge me to think and have smart decision making to create promising outcomes. MMORPG's cause the player to communicate with an interactive (alive) community and rewards the player for co-operative play. These games build people skills in a way and promote teamwork in an ever-changing environment.

Sim-games also build lots of people skills. Games such as the Sims bring many everyday life challenges into the gaming world. The game encourages good hygiene, such as showering, using facilities and exercising. It promotes socialization, along with getting a career and maintaining a family as well as a social life. And the game demands responsibility, growing up, and parting from parents, getting a job and house as well as paying the bills and feedings pets.

Video games are a form of entertainment but they also teach an abundant amount of skills that the player may not notice while engaging. I'm sure there is a way to implement games into the school but the game programmers of today will have to devise better strategies to bring the player in and keep them amused at the same time.