Playing those learning games

By Andrew Sztein

szte0001@algonquincollege.com

What place do fun and games have in a classroom?

Whether you are just learning how to walk or entering the final year of college, playing games and other fun approaches to learning can help teach valuable lessons in creative ways.

“Children are naturally attracted to play. They learn best by being actively involved and exploring their environment,” said Lisa Lamarre-O’Gorman, manager of the early learning centre on campus.

“In early childhood education, the environment is usually set up as a play environment. Through that play children are able to learn a number of concepts such as problem solving, numerical concepts, and literacy skills. It’s done in such a natural way and they’re so unaware of it because they’re enjoying it. It sinks in without them knowing it,” said Lamarre-O’Gorman.

In addition to enhancing learning abilities, playing is “a very good way to outlet pent up energy levels,” said Lamarre-O’Gorman

The types of games the children at the centre play vary from teacher to teacher, but classic staples include “I spy”, guessing games, simple memory games, and co-operative board games that stress working together for a common goal instead of competition. The co-operative board games are best for children because they “don’t take winning and losing too well at that age,” said Lamarre-O’Gorman.

It’s not just children who can benefit from a playful learning environment.

Students in the game development program at Algonquin learn by instituting a variety of fun methods in the classroom.

“Gaming is natural,” said Gerry Paquette, a professor in the game development program.

Paquette constantly encourages his students “to think outside the box,” which he accomplishes by pulling them away from the computers and over to the table top for some board games.

“Board games allow people role play,” said Paquette. “You can invent your own rules and work together within a board game.”

Video games, when used in moderation, can also be helpful learning tools.

“All games have some sort of educational value. When it comes to video games, you can learn resource management from real time strategy games, networking skills from multiplayer online games like World of Warcraft. Even games like Guitar Hero and Brain Age allow people to expand their musical awareness and memory abilities,” said Paquette.