How Video Games May Transform Education

(and why we might not like it)

Richard Van EckAssociate Professor, University of North Dakota

richard.vaneck@und.edu

• Technology = 2%

• Lecture/Independent Work = 92%

22%

*Center for Labor Market Studies, May 5, 2009“Left Behind: The Nation's Dropout Crisis”

(Educational Reform)

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Why No True Reform?

We Don’t Care About Learning

(we care about preserving the system)

REFORM

Disruptive Technology

Change in Environment

al Requirement

s

2.6 Million Years Ago 788,000 BCE 8000–5000 BCE

3000–4000 BCE 1400–1500 CE

1700–1800 CE

1950 – Present

Games and the 21st Century

Situated Cognition/Authentic Learning

Area of a Triangle: 1/2 Base x Height

Area of a Rectangle: Length x WidthPerimeter of a Rectangle: (Length x 2) + (Width x 2)

Length

Wid

th

Heig

ht

Base

Systems Thinking

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Engagement

Zone of Proximal Development

Too Hard

Too Easy

ZPDJust Right

Be Careful What You Ask For...

Situated Cognition/Authentic

Learning

Systems Thinking

Collaboration, Collective Intelligence

Problem Solving

Engagement

Individualized Instruction

Too Hard

Too Easy

ZPD