Videogames as a Motivational Tool for Kids

June 30, 2005 6:10 AM

There's a pilot program currently underway at an elementary school in Oregon that's taking a videogame (the dance simulator In the Groove) and using it as a teaching tool. The program is being credited with promoting "the development of social skills, increased self-image, and fostered teamwork." Ever since it has started, absentism has dropped in half and huge percentages of students (85%+) are showing increased growth in social and leadership skills and confidence.

With so much negative attention being placed on gaming these days, it's good to see programs like these, in the classrooms, that demonstrate that the entire medium is not worth demonizing. If only those Catholic nuns from my schooldays realized this.. =( For more details on the project, and to see videos of it in action, check out the official page here.

Alec Matias

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d fluke

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June 30, 2005 6:17 AM

This is awesome!

If gym class had been about DDR instead of dodgeball and ridiculous interval-training, then I might actually have enjoyed it :)
That's right, I blame a *lack* of videogames in school for my slacker attitude!!
- Blackdawgg
  
   reply
  June 30, 2005 6:58 AM
  
  Dodgeball owned. I am never sending my kid to a school that does not have dodgeball.
  - lord_omega
    
     reply
    June 30, 2005 8:32 AM
    
    videogames increase social skills and confidence? Then I'm glad I play all the time or I would be even more anti-social than I am now with the staying in all weekend long and avoiding conversations with other people when possible.
    
    The only thing games in school ever taught me was that any educational game sucks. Plus having control over people, even if indirectly, kicks ass (Simcity).
  - edgewise
    
     reply
    June 30, 2005 11:43 AM
    
    totally. dodgeball was probably teh most fun I had in school.