Video Games Europe participates in an expert seminar on serious games in education
On 12th September, 2018, Video Games Europe participated in an expert seminar entitled “Evidence-based development of serious games for the educational sector: challenges and perspectives” organised by European Schoolnet on behalf of Scientix, the community for science education in Europe and eConfidence, an EU project aiming to develop game-based methodologies in support of behavioural changes related to safe use of internet and bullying.
The seminar focused on how serious games can have a positive impact in behavioural changes, how they can be used in teaching environments and which methodologies need to be applied to develop them. Video Games Europe held a presentation on the “Games in Schools” project and the organization of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) dedicated to the use of videogames as a pedagogical tool. Video Games Europe explained how the use of commercial games in classrooms can help achieve EU policy objectives, such as those for lifelong learning skills and competences which are essential for a successful life in the digital society.
Games also have the ability to improve the balance between theory and practice in initial teacher education, and to present teaching as a problem-solving or research-in-action activity linked more to children’s learning and progress. Thus, a growing number of teachers view games as a technology able to modernize their teaching methods by catching efficiently their students’ attention. Pupil motivation is significantly greater when computer games are integrated lesson plans, which may help reduce the nearly school leavers rate by creating more stimulating and playful teaching environments.
In addition, Jennifer Wacrenier, Project Manager at PEGI, explained to the audience how games are reviewed and classified and how PEGI is currently trying to involve more teachers and students in eLearning to foster a better recognition of the system and to promote responsible gameplay towards youngsters. More about PEGI and its initiatives at www.pegi.info