Computer Games Classroom

COMPUTER GAMES 1

Running Head: COMPUTER GAMES

Computer Games in the Classroom: A History and Brief Review of the Research John W. Rice Texas Center for Educational Technology University of North Texas

Paper presented at emPowering the Future, Texas Center for Educational Technology Higher Education Cadres Conference, Denton, TX.

COMPUTER GAMES 2 Abstract Computer video games are derived from a broad range of related fields, including virtual reality, simulations, and synchronous computerized communications. This paper will examine origins of each field and how they converged in the study of computer video games. The paper will then offer a brief review of the research illustrating the investigation of computer video game applications in the field of education, and conclude by finding areas of need for current and future research.

COMPUTER GAMES 3 Computer Games in the Classroom: A History and Brief Review of the Research Computer video games as defined here are games played out graphically within a computing environment. They share characteristics with home console games. Consoles are technically also types of computers, but most people differentiate games designed for personal computers as computer video games. Consoles will be mentioned briefly in the history section as they are a related topic. Interest in applying computer video games to educational purposes has piqued in recent years as the abilities for games to simulate complex phenomena has increased along with personal computing power. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the developmental history of computer video games, briefly look at some of the current research efforts in the field, and to discern fundamental questions remaining to be explored. History Ideas about Information All computer concepts, including games, are based on earlier ones surrounding information retrieval and manipulation. Notions of information residing in an abstract space for the purpose of future retrieval

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