I was having a conversation with my son Matt over breakfast and somehow we ended up talking about the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. The interesting thing is he has a whole lot more knowledge about this subject than I thought he would (and loads more than I did at 14). So where did the info come from? I asked if he was already at this point in his American History class and he said no. The source of the info – Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Yes, a video game. The latest version of Call of Duty is set during the Cold War era and takes place variously in Cuba, Vietnam, the Soviet Union and the United States during this period. I have always been impressed with the ability of video games to teach. While it is not the primary goal of most video games (aside from things like The Oregon Trail etc) certain players sensitive to the background material tend to pick up loads of info.

History has always been a fertile source for video games with both world wars, the Roman empire, the Napoleonic era, etc. have all provided a depth of content that would surprise many nay sayers. History is not the only subject utilized however (see Assassin’s Creed for some amazing historical and artistic experiences). Physics is thoroughly exploited in many games, mathematics (Geometry Wars), biology (see Spore, SimEarth etc.), urban planning and development (SimCity), social development (The Sims), music (Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Dance, Dance Revolution), etc.

Video games have drawn loads of criticism, some founded, much unfounded, as being a waste of time. The reality however is it is simply one more venue for learning. For decades we have focused on the row-by-row lecture structure of learning which works for some but quite frankly is simply insanely boring for most unless you have one of those rare dynamic teachers.

Here’s what we know – we know that people are far more likely to learn when they are in a dynamic and enjoyable environment. We also know that people learn better when more than one sense is involved in the process. Video games touch on more senses than any other medium available for learning. Sight, sound and touch are all involved in complex puzzle solving, strategizing, hand-eye coordination, full body involvement with Wii, Microsoft Kinect and Sony Move.

When the Montessori formula for education suggested a far less structured, more student led form of learning, it was widely criticized. Now the waiting lists for Montessori schools are huge and the cost for joining enormous. It is successful because it recognizes that  there are many different ways to learn.

While with every medium there comes content unworthy of the individual, video games should not simply be thrown into the fire as “a waste of time” but embraced as a new learning medium. Game manufacturers will provide deeper educational content is the market demands it.

Another medium that is often criticized is the comic book and graphic novel. Literature is not what it used to be but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Studies have shown that boys tend to prefer the comic/graphic novel format and will read as much or more content then a typical novel if it is presented in this format. I don’t really care if my son is reading comics or graphic novels – as long as he is reading.

Anyhow – you get the idea. We need to start thinking outside of the box as the old cliche goes…or perhaps we need to start thinking inside the (x)box? 🙂  (INSERT GROAN HERE).