I’ve been spending alot of time thinking about the role of games and motivation in learning. I like games, but mostly games of a physical nature like baseball, football, or basketball. In these games, I think less and react more. It’s an outlet for me to play out my competitive side. But later, I like to talk about and reflect on the game. This is when I learn.
As an educational gamer, I like to play games that will help me to learn basic facts and ideas. For instance, I’d rather play a game about math facts than memorize them. Or I’d rather play a game to sharpen my typing skills than practice without a game.
Although I like playing games, there are times when I get frustrated playing them. If I’m playing with someone who is ultracompetitive, I often get frustrated because I feel like I don’t get a chance to learn. I definitely like the chance to practice and hone my skills before getting into a competitive environment.
Just a few thoughts. What do you think about gaming and education?