Games in the Classroom

An article published on Mindshift called “Can Digital Games Boost Students’ Test Scores?” discusses the skills acquired through digital learning games and their increased use in schools. And game-based schools such as Quest to Learn, a new model for educational institutions in recent years, are showing encouraging test scores. What effects do these games have on students? According to the article, by using a game, a student may increase their learning by a measurable percentage. Parents can sometimes be skeptical of the role of technology, and games in particular, but here is some initial research on the potential of digital games when it comes to students’ cognitive and non-cognitive development. What are your thoughts about games in education?  Do you find them to be helpful, distracting, or supportive for students?