Game On for Festive Learning

05 January 10

One of the most sought-after Christmas presents - the Nintendo DS - could have surprising educational benefits for young people, according to the latest research.

Its top-selling 'brain-training' game can have an important role in encouraging learning.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

"We need to embrace new technologies and tap in to all the resources available to us to ensure that our young people develop successfully in a modern society within which computers are so important."

"Educational computer games can be a great way of motivating young people to learn in a way that is relevant and enjoyable for them."

"Computer games are often perceived as solely a distraction to learning, however, alongside traditional learning aids, they can help make learning more engaging. And parents and teachers across the country are starting to see the benefits they can have."

In partnership with Learning and Teaching Scotland, Dr David Miller from the University of Dundee has undertaken studies in to the effects of brain-training games on improving learning.

Dr Miller said:

"Computer games are part of our culture and - while we may have concerns about aspects of some popular games - many have huge potential for supporting learning.

"The motivation evident when young people are 'in the zone' of game playing is something we can and should tap in to for education.

"Research is starting to point towards computer games providing some real and tangible benefits to young people. These can include faster processing of information, enhanced selection of relevant material and higher levels of engagement.

"While parents and teachers need to make sensible choices about the games they encourage young people to play, what is clear is that many games have tremendous learning potential."

Background

Derek Robertson of LTS and Dr David Miller have conducted research in to how Dr Kawashima's Brain Training could improve pupil's basic computational skills. Their studies point towards statistically significant gains in accuracy and speed of processing for children who used the game for 20 minutes each morning over a ten-week period.

Gaming devices such as the Nintendo DS feature educational games prominently. Dr Kawashima's Brain Training and the More Brain Training follow up are the first and third best selling DS games in the UK.

Source: The Scottish Government