Galaxy of Kenshine

London: In the midst of a debate over whether they are good for kids, a new study has suggested that video games could be used for education.

An international team has carried out the study and found that online computer games could be used as a powerful teaching tool for children because they are not only popular but engaging as well.

According to researchers, interactive games could be adapted so that children learn skills from them that could be transferred to real life – in fact, the "immersive" aspect in which the player suspends his belief means that the brain is particularly engaged and can absorb complex issues.

What's more is that the games, which they say are more active than passive traditional learning, could be most useful for science subjects with students able to carry out imaginary experiments and improve their ability to "learn to learn", the study has found.

"Compared with a similar, paper-based curriculum that included laboratory experiences, students overall were more engaged in the immersive interface and learned as much or more," team leader Prof Chris Dede of Harvard University was quoted by 'The Daily Telegraph' as saying.

According to the scientists, interactive games such as 'World of Warcraft' and 'Second Life' as well as 'Whyville' and 'River City' are good for kids.

Agreed Dr Merrilea Mayo, Director of Future Learning Systems at the Kaufman Foundation: "Unlike lectures, games can be adapted to the pace of the user. Games also simultaneously present information in multiple visual and auditory modes that capitalises on different learning styles.

"Although the field is still in its embryonic stages, game-based learning has the potential to deliver science and maths education to millions of users simultaneously. Unlike other mass-media experiments in education, games are a highly interactive."