In this episode of Academic Ramblings, we explore unintentional learning in games.
While the focus of media effects research has long been on what negative thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours video games might teach players (as we briefly explored in the jargon schmargon episode about social learning), in more recent years researchers have turned their attention to the potential positive learning experiences that can occur when playing games. This is often referred to as unintentional learning because the things we are talking about here – learning new information and new skills – are not the explicit goal of the games they are playing, but rather an “unintentional consequence” of playing.
While the focus of unintentional learning in games is often focused on visual-spatial skills, in this episode we will explore the other skills and abilities that can be acquired, including creative thinking and leadership skills.