Video Game Model in the Classroom

Brielle Hibma

EDUC 3302 Technology in Education

October 23, 2013

IS THE VIDEO GAME MODEL AN EFFECTIVE LEARNING TOOL?

            Neurologist and teacher, Dr. Judy Willis, made a claim in her article, A Neurologist makes a Case for the Video Game Model as a Learning Tool, that video games are created in such a way that keeps young people coming back for more. What she has discovered is that dopamine is released in higher than normal levels to the brain after succeeding in a game level and receiving positive feedback or reinforcement. I think the idea Dr. Willis presented for educators in her article, for teachers to model the prompt feedback for achievement and success in students, can in fact, be a useful strategy in the classroom if used correctly. At first, reading the article, I was skeptical of where she was heading with the idea, but as I read further I understood better. Dr. Willis is not suggesting that every activity be made into a “game” as I had initially misunderstood. Rather, she is signifying the benefit of students and teachers working together to set individual goals that are challenging yet achievable. In doing this, the student will be able to watch themselves progress and experience the release of dopamine when they do well and reach a goal, just as they would when conquering a video game level. I agree with the importance of the teacher working individually with each student on their goals for specific learning outcomes, as each student has different strengths and may be learning at a slightly different level than their peers. This gives students the opportunity to watch themselves be successful at something that is individually challenging.

            While I agree with the positive outcomes of a teaching strategy such as the one Dr. Willis presents, the downside to creating this model in the classroom would be the difficulty in finding balance. It is important that if a model such as this were to be implemented, that the teacher does not take away time from classroom lectures, discussions, and projects. Although I am not yet a professional educator, I understand that certain laws and state regulations require students at each grade level to have a certain degree of proficiency and understanding. While it is true that students learn at different rates and are challenged by different things, making too much of a separate and individualized learning plan may cause too much of a rift in classroom balance and grade level success. Overall, I think the video game model presented is a novel idea that can encourage and empower students to achieve more based on their learning, but it is important for the teacher to maintain a balance between individual and whole class goals.

 

WORKS CITED:

 

Willis, Judy. "A Neurologist Makes the Case for the Video Game Model as a Learning Tool." Edutopia. 14 Apr 2011: n. page. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. <http://www.edutopia.org/blog/video-games-learning-student-engagement-judy-willis>.