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 Concordia University researchers set out to answer a "big picture" question: Does computer technology have a positive overall effect on learning in the classroom? File photo.Photograph by: CHARLES PLATIAU , ReutersMONTREAL — Concordia University researchers set out to answer a "big picture" question: Does computer technology have a positive overall effect on learning in the classroom?"There have been lots of arguments, both pro and con, regarding this issue, (such as) is it worth the investment?" said professor Richard Schmid, chairman of the education department at the Montreal-based Concordia.Their literature review involved looking at thousands of studies and comparing achievement in classrooms that used computer technology with those that used little or none.The 40-year retrospective study, published in the Review of Educational Research journal, concluded that classrooms where computer technology was used to support teaching had a "small to moderate positive" effect on learning and attitude.If an administrator must make a decision "should we invest in this? The answer is yes," said Schmid, the study's co-author.The literature shows that more recent, sophisticated applications of the technology produce greater positive gains than older

f an administrator must make a decision "should we invest in this? The answer is yes," said Schmid, the study's co-author.The literature shows that more recent, sophisticated applications of the technology produce greater positive gains than older applications, he sai

under what circumstances positive effects are observed

games provide information when it is needed, rather than all at once in the beginning, and also provide an environment that is "pleasantly frustrating" because the tasks are challenging but achievable.

"We tend to teach science, for example, by telling you a lot of stuff and then letting you do science. Games teach the other way. They have you do stuff, and then as you need to know information, they tell it to you."

The IIRM are educational software components, specializing in mathematical concepts, presented through recreational mathematics, conceived as interactive, recreation-oriented learning objects, integrated within the environment.

instant messaging, chat rooms, and multi-player math games

Mexican high-school students

Both groups studied the same curriculum unit over a 10 week period, however, in addition the experimental group developed computer games related to the unit using a game development shell.

game development helped improve student content retention, ability to compare and contrast information presented, utilize more and different kinds of research materials including digital resources, editing skills, and develop an insight into questioning skills

On a marketing level, barriers to access have largely disappeared. In the old days, games were played on CD-ROMs, and few classrooms had computers. When Internet-delivered games first came out, schools had inadequate bandwidth, they struggled with administrative permissions issues, and there were not enough computers to go around. Now, computers are ubiquitous, broadband is standard, and permissions controls have been mastered.

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is that gaming can be a powerful medium for this kind of learnin