When does a game become educational, and when is it just entertainment?

This is a very important point for teachers and parents. When does a computer game become education, and when is it just entertainment?
What are the critical aspects that make a game educational, and something that would make us as teachers and parents spend our dollars, time and energy on it?
In Music there are all kinds of games: There are a few music games available today that are little more than preschool plastic toys. There are a few that are far more advanced, and are almost close to playing a real instrument.
Where do we draw the line? Most music teachers have a differing opinion on this issue. Most I know still teach the same way they always have, and probably won't be spending money on too many games. However there is real educational value in some aspects of the game.
This is the question we need to ask before engaging in any game activity: "What does this game show or teach me (or my students or children) that I previously did not know?"
When you take something that you didn't know before and you make it known you are learning something. it really is that simple Are you making anything known that wasn't already when you are playing that computer game? If all you are doing is playing one game over and over again you won't achieve anything but being good at that level.
If however when playing a music game you are constantly introducing new songs, and you use the music game as a vehicle to move forward with skills, then you'll find this to be a well worthwhile educational experience.
When developing these music games it is my hope that the developers consult instrument specialists so that learning to play the game does not affect the students technique when learning the real instrument. Most do, but as usual when there is a big market there will always be cheap imitations who cut down the price and also cut down the educational value by not investing in this quality researched advice.
So always ask that question - What is this activity teaching me that I didn't know before? Then you'll find that besides being very enjoyable that time spent on music games will actually build musical skills.

Article Source: http://www.free-article-info.com/ArticleDashboard

The Author, Kevin Tuck is a music teacher and musician of wide experience, playing percussion and drums to a high level, plus numerous other instruments. In his work as editor at the fun music company he is currently developing educational music games for school students.

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