Using Gaming to Learn

A recent article in Frobes on Women Gaming made some interesting links to not only gender based learning but also how we learn and develop skills as individuals. http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/25/women-gaming-video-forbes-woman-time-online.html

The concept of gaming is becoming more accepted in business where it functions as a superb training and operations tool. Videogames are now being used for collaboration and brainstorming as well as performance evaluation. Games based learning is proving to be the new learning tool of the future and it is definitely growing.

Games Based Learning also referred to as "Serious Game" is all about leveraging the power of computer gaiming to captivate and engage end users to develop new knowledge and skills. This type of learning enables users to undertake tasks and experience situations that may be too costly or otherwise impossible.

Although many of the concepts included in end user security awareness training are universal, such training often must be tailored to address the policies and requirements of a particular organization. In addition, many forms of training fail because they are rote and do not require users to think about and apply security concepts. A flexible, highly interactive video game, can support organizational security training objectives while engaging typical users in an engaging security adventure.

However, there are problems with deploying games-based learning for organizations. First, it is difficult to find a generic end-user interactive gaming software for security awareness. Second, the cost of creating such a game internally can be quite high and Third, maintaining and updating the content can be time-consuming and costly.

Comments

That is a very good example Jacob. I do recall that back in the late 80's early 90's (when I was working for large technology companies) games were part of a regular daily exercise to re-focus your brain and build team skills. For some reason I don't see that as often anymore. It is something that should be used more often in traditional learning environments.
This is a really interesting concept. I remember working with a company where every day for an hour the employees would take a break and play team games together to cooldown from the everyday stress, but also reinforce team based skills.

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