by J.P. Gee, Book, 2004,
Palgrave Macmillan.
Review by Jon Aleckson
Rating:
In a hurry?
Recommendation
Untitled Document
For a review of four books on game-based learning, including this one, see Jon Aleckson's article. You can order this book by using the Amazon link on this page.
Commercial video games require the learning of such complex rules that it takes hundreds of hours of play to master them. According to James Paul Gee in What Video Games Have to Teach Us about Learning and Literacy, the theory of learning in good video games equals the best theories of learning in cognitive sciences.
In fact, Gee points out 36 principles of learning built into good video games. Games, according to Gee, allow the learner to achieve at various levels, probe and reflect, fail without consequence, and, most importantly, practice continuously. Gee also emphasizes the social aspect of gaming. This book might give justification for playing video games at work.
Recommendation
At the very least, having fellow trainers discuss the 36 principles may help some gamers come out of the closet. Discussing ways to utilize common game elements in your Flash design make this book a must have.
