How cool is this idea? Kids get to learn about ancient civilizations, politics, international relation, exploration, development of technology, mercantilism, and international strife through a collaborative multi-player online honest-to-goodness competitive computer game? I've got to say, that the idea of having students play "Civilizations III", as suggested by Pitler et al (2007) as a learning tool is one of the most fun uses of technology in the classroom that I've come across! Older computer games were designed as learning tools, however they lacked a the social learning theory hallmark of having collaboration between students. The old Apple IIe's taught millions of school children that Mary or Billy might die from Typhoid or Cholera along the long, arduous Oregon Trail. It even taught basic problem solving skills with its simple mathematical war game Cannon Fodder. These programs did not combine students in groups, forcing co-operation or annihilation! When the students work together, they are able to construct learning in a safe learning environment that encourages actively engaging construction and conversation of curricula specific content. Students work together and can be in Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, and not be overwhelmed or under challenged, and learn how to apply the knowledge given to them in applicable, real life situations.
Is there any way I can sign up for the Civilizations III world history class?
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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I remember playing those old games (computer games) on a two tone monitor and you have a very valid point that those games didn't encourage anytype of collabrative learning. I think part of the reason the game development has changed would relate to the demand on the game markets to have more and more interactive games as time goes on. Since students are experiencing higher level simulation games in the real world, I would imagine that they are demanding more of the in education as well. Do you find that to be the case in your room? I plan to try and incorporate at least one simulation type game in my room this year. Hopefully my students will enjoy it as much as I think they will.
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