Week 14: Using Games and Technology for Learning

With the development of technology and games children have become accustom to video games and games on the computer. It is no wonder that these types of technologies are being incorporated into the curriculum in schools. People get bored with lectures and could be more responsive when they are learning and might not even realize it. Outside of the classroom there are all kinds of games that facilitate learning such as Sim City, Oregon Trail, and The Sims. There are some educational programs that parents can purchase such as Jump Start which focus on preparing students for the grade level that they are going to be entering next.

Also there are games on the Internet such as Second Life. Which allow users to create avatars and live out a new life online. This game allows users to explore new worlds and meet other avatars and interact. Some people have even divorced their real life spouses because of connections that they have made on Second Life.

In advertising games are a great way for companies to keep their target market on their website with the possibility of not even realizing that they are being marketed too. Also advertisers are jumping on Second Life and creating worlds and displaying their brands to users of the site. Advergaming as its called by professionals is a unique way to reach consumers and teach them about your product while they have fun playing and interacting online.

Click here to watch a video about advergaming. I selected this video because it is somewhat interactive in nature and is very entertaining. But most importantly it does a great job of getting the point across of what an advergame can do for a business!