Blog Comment

Using Video Games as Bait to Hook Readers


PJ Haarsma designed a game from a novel reading. This was his idea for preteens be easy educated. It is used as a learning tool with a twist of fun. For those who may struggle on pick up a book and would rather play a video game. This is great for them. This game is set up in a way where questions are asked in each level. He feels that combinding a video game with a novel can
be very helpful for the learner, because they are being able to watch the action and be apart it. They are able to get a sense of the story and can learn it quicker. Now schools are trying to do the same in finding an easier way for the student to learn and actually be interested as they are doing. The article mentions that recently the Pew Internet & American Life project concluded that 97% of preteenager from ages 12 through 17 play games on computers, handheld devices, and consoles. Comparing the reader and the novel to the gamer and the video game, both learners are looking to play the same role which is to become the character.

I think this idea of combinding video games and novels together is a brilliant and very helpful idea. Not only would these video games give the person energetic pleaure, but the gamer is learning at the same time. Not only do they take novels and books and turn them into video games but also in the past few years they have turned all subject matter into electronic devices.
I remember when they came out with Hooked On Phonics. This electronic worked with a voice machine and was a fun learning tool, but was more like a writting tool with not live imagery. Video games these days are still sidetracking but some accomplish a great education and are worth it.
I am one who always finds it easier to see imagery as i study the work. Seeing the picture helps me a lot and gives me a better understanding.I wish they had come up with this idea back when i was a preteen.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/books/06games.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin