Communications of the ACM
Teaching Computer Games
Rapid computer game creation (RCGC) could be used to close the digital divide, according to Nikunj Dalal and colleagues at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Schools and universities have begun to embrace RCGC, and the researchers believe teaching people with no prior knowledge of computing programming how to build computer games would be an effective way to get them involved in computing.
The OSU researchers say that a preliminary survey provides clues about the potential for improving thinking and computing skills. The researchers say that people could use off-the-shelf tools to create computer games, which involves storytelling, developing characters, evaluating plots, and working with digital images and music.
"The digital divide refers not only to unequal access to computing resources between groups of people but also to inequalities in their ability to use information technology fully," the researchers say.
Effective teaching models for RCGC would have to be developed, and the best ways to improve critical and creating thinking and develop positive attitudes would need to be studied, they say.
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