27/06/2014

Book Analyses Videogames As Learning Tools

Eulàlia Torras and Consuelo León have just published a book based on their own research that discusses the growing penetration of videogames in daily life and focuses on the important role they can play in education.

"The aim is not to demonize these games. Rather, it's to use them as tools that can truly become an educational ally for parents as well as teachers", explained Prof. León. "They may not be explicitly educational", explained Torres, "but they can support learning, as they boost certain basic psychological processes such as paying attention and acquiring knowledge on specific content".

In Aprender con juegos digitales. El uso educativo de los videojuegos y los juegos en línea (Learning with Videogames: The Educational Use of Videogames and Online Games), the authors support the notion that digital games have educational applications and try to measure to what degree. According to the authors, the key is knowing how information and communication technologies can contribute to learning. The 120-page book was published by Publicia and can be bought on line.

The authors recognize that some of these games may cause violence in children. "But videogames are often stigmatized because the most popular ones have a high level of violent content", explained León. "That's why it's important to choose digital games wisely". Torres added, "The fault is not with videogames in general, but with a few in particular that appeal to those instincts and tendencies".