Computer games are not just a fun pastime but can also be powerful learning tools which inspire and motivate young students, according to a new report.
The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (Elspa), in association with the Department for Education and Skills, examined the role computer and video games can play in education for the report.
It said a college in Nottinghamshire has seen achievement in key skills increase dramatically to a 94% success rate, compared to the national benchmark of just 22%, through incorporating commercial game Neverwinter Nights into its teaching plan.
Launching the report, Lord Puttnam of Queensgate said many other teaching institutions across the UK had also reported video games ability to motivate and engage, particularly with younger learners.
"Increasingly video games are being recognised as a powerful tool for learning," he said.
"Yes of course they are entertaining and a lot of fun, but they've also the ability to inspire and motivate."
Lord Puttnam said games could promote ideas, stimulate conversation, challenge thinking and encourage problem solving.
"Now what we are talking about here is computer games not just as games, but as a whole new learning form or platform of learning and one that has quite literally, unlimited learning potential," he said.
Elspa managing director Michael Rawlinson said games had the potential to help educate young and old people in both the work and school environment.
"They can be educational in the right context, whether for young people developing creative writing in a classroom or hospital staff learning how best to deal with MRSA, and if educationalists believe they can engage people in learning in a positive and constructive way, then we think this can only be positive."
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