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Fact or Fiction?: Video Games Are the Future of Education
Digital games cannot be treated like the latest quick fix to the education system, Waniewski says. “They can seem like a godsend, a next-generation digital textbook that further reduces the need for human resources,” he notes. Yet games alone will not make schools more efficient, replace teachers or serve as an educational resource that can reach an infinite number of students, he adds.Video games are not necessarily the most cost-effective option for schools with tight budgets and crowded classrooms, either. They require computers, tablets or other specialized technology as well as dedicated Internet servers and other communications systems. There may also be a need for additional infrastructure, personnel and teacher training. A full, game-infused curriculum could cost millions of dollars and require ongoing support, Gershenfeld says.