4 of 12

The use of video games as a learning tool

by Tyler Hasty

I have recently discovered a new video game and realized it can be used for learning. The game "Evony" has been getting very popular throughout the Internet and gaming community. As I have been playing I have noticed an unintended learning aspect. While playing the game I have noticed that it includes alot of strategy and basic math skills, as basic as they are they keep your mind active and keep you entertained and most people do not even notice it. Most parents see games as a mindless activity, I'm hoping to prove this theory wrong. When playing certain video games there tends to be an underlying activity to stimulate the brain and possibly further keeping basic math skills working and keeping your mind from turning to mush. At www.evony.comthey have succeeded in making people do basic math problems and work to use them in the game. I think the little things like that can keep you thinking whether you realize it or not. Most children do not see learning as a fun thing. So what better way to do it than sneak it in to a video game they enjoy. Hopefully more parents can understand that not all video games are not just shoot them up and that some actually take a little thought, maybe not a whole lot., but what better way to keep the mind active than including learning activities into a video game and keeping them fresh in the mind. The game is free, and can be run through your web browser. If anyone wants to prove my theory wrong I welcome you to do so. I personally see this game as fun, entertaining. The other side to it is that it helps patience and keeps basic math in your mind and keeps you busy. I hope more parents can see the aspects in games like that more often. As I continue to play the game it seems to get more interesting and more complex to calculate and come up with new strategies. They keep the game interesting by giving you new goals and new strategy. As one final good aspect of this game it encourages teamwork with what they call "Alliances" and sometimes to complete things you have to work together. So far I have enjoyed everything about this game. Hopefully more people will try it and see just how much fun it can be. Good luck everyone, and thank you Evony for a great game.

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA