Games that Teach

Video games with elaborate simulations of alternate realities that deal with detailed subject matter are generally reserved for battling aliens or car thieves on video games like “Grand Theft Auto” and “Dead Space.” Now, they’re also for learning with WILL Campus providing several simulations for teaching about social stresses, growing up and responsibility.

With titles that treat topics like prescription drug abuse, hate crimes and school violence, the WILL programs help to bring hard-to-discuss subjects out in the open for a full class discussion. On the downside, there are only 9 games at this point, and I wish there were others, such as dealing with a disruptive student or a school-wide disaster.

The simulations cost $50 each for a full year of use per teacher and work on any reasonably up to date PC or Mac. The big requirement is that the simulations require the latest Flash software to work. For an extra 50 cents per student they can access the game and update their participation from home or even an Internet café. They can play the simulation as many times as they like.

The kids can play the game straight-through or pause it at any point or stop playing and pick the storyline up later. Expect that it will take 20 minutes to an hour to go through the simulation, from start to finish.

The company provides teachers with software to quickly see who has run the simulation and compare their assessment scores before and after playing. Happily, there are class-wide statistics available as well, so principals and district officials can examine the participation and effectiveness of the program.

For example, “Just 2 Days” presents an all-too realistic scenario that starts with a heated argument between two students that quickly gets out of control and ends in a shooting. You guessed it, it takes two days and your focus is on the four protagonists. Through video clips shot in cinéma vérité style and short passages, there are several points where the kids need to make decisions.

As the story unfolds there are elements of bullying, gossip, guns and out of control anger that lead to a tragedy that every school wants to avoid. Overall, the simulation is well crafted, detailed and has several alternate storylines because you can assume the role of one of the four kids involved in the conflict.

Each decision you make leads to different paths to the conclusion of the story, although some of the transitions are a bit sudden. That way, every user has a slightly different experience and sequence of action, but all students come away having dealt with the issues. 

The videos can be displayed in an on-screen window or full-screen on the computer, but unfortunately the experience is not as realistic as it could be. While the students all look like models, the adults in the simulation are unusually understanding and articulate. As good, well written and engaging as it is, the Will material isn’t for everyone and no matter what the content is, some students will not be drawn into the story enough to use it to its fullest. In other words, there’re bound to be some who will treat this layered simulation as just another assignment and not allow themselves to get absorbed in its content. 

Along the way, students are confronted with how to deal with peer pressure, anger management, leadership and how to prevent a violent flare up at school. I think that the story is compelling and a good way to educate students about these social pressures. In fact, every teacher and principal should play the game as well.

A-

Will Interactive Campus
$50 per simulation per year plus 50 cents per student for external access

+ Excellent detailed simulations
+ Different paths and storylines
+ Treats social themes delicately
+ Inexpensive
+ PCs and Macs

- Library limited to 9 topics
- May not appeal to all students
- Remote access to game adds to cost

Comments

[Alex Epshteyn]

Could I get you to review TypeRacer? I think it's the best game to learn typing skills.

[Brian Nadel]

Sure, I'll look it over. This is it?
http://www.educational-freeware.com/online/typeracer.aspx

BN

[Essay Service]

Hi,
I have played this game and I must say that this game helps a lot in enhancing my typing skills. People who want to improve typing skills must play this.

Essay Writing Service

[Brian Nadel]

What do you like (or hate) about it?
BN