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Gee comments on video games and project-based learning.

"In his book, What Video Games Have to Teach Us about Learning and Literacy, James Paul Gee derives a set of learning principles from his study of the complex, self-directed learning each game player undertakes as s/he encounters and masters a new game. He suggests that adherence to these principles could transform learning in schools, colleges and universities, both for teachers and faculty and, most importantly, for students."

I came across this great question posted in Quora. One of the responders, Anne Halsall listed structured narratives, diverse hand- drawn animation, more difficult puzzles (less hints), and a single-player experience as hallmarks of 90s adventures games. The highlights of these adventure games are a stark contrast to the conditions, at least according to Gee, that make video games useful learning tools (e.g.,open-ended, immediate feedback, opportunities for socialization). This lead me to wonder, are the trends in contemporary game design driving engagement theory, or is the research driving game design?

Good overview of mental imagery as a supplement to Gee.

At the Learning and the Brain Conference last week, Dr. Gee listed 10 (research-validated) reasons why video games are good for learning.

Thanks for posting this, Marium! I've been reading and enjoying his book What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy (http://amzn.to/H0Eqi8); I look forward to watching this now as well.

James Gee's claims about videogames and learning