Mission to Learn Blog Features Article: “26 Learning Games to Change the World”
By jtcobb on Apr 29, 2008 in Games & Widgets

Jeff Cobb has a fantastic web site called Mission to Learn. Among the myriad of useful articles and discussions featured on Mission to Learn is an article that lists 26 educational video games you can get for free online (only one costs money). The amazing thing about these games is that they’re largely focused on solving real problems facing our globe. Whether you’re a video game advocate or not, these video games empower kids to make positive global change in ways most classrooms cannot. Arguably, visual learning utilizing electronic media and tools has become a prevalent learning option, especially for the below 40 set. Most of these video games offer a positive ethical approach to a deeper understanding of issues such as world hunger, nuclear threat and disarmament, Global Warming, Darfur Devastation, 3rd World Farmer, and many, many more.

These video games have an interactive appeal that gives the player a chance to stave off disaster and repair our man made mistakes. This form of learning can be more effective in some ways than a documentary presentation of the same issue(s). In fact, like so many video games, they have a tendancy to keep your attention for longer than you might have anticipated, so if you try any of them at work, you might want to wait until you have a break before you get immersed.

Below are short summaries of a few of the 26 games to give you an idea of what you may choose from:

Stop Disasters!
“The on-line game aims at teaching children how to build safer villages and cities against disasters. Children will learn playing how the location and the construction materials of houses can make a difference when disasters strike and how early warning systems, evacuation plans and education can save lives.” From the United Nation/International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. Multiple languages. Good teacher resources.

Nuclear Weapons
“Take on the mission to disarm the world of nuclear weapons with the help of eight “Peace Doves!”” There are also five other educational games at this site. From NobelPrize.org.

Global Warming Interactive
“CO2FX is a web based multi-user educational game which explores the relationship of global warming to economic, political and science policy decisions. The game is driven by a systems dynamics model and is presented in a user friendly interface intended for the high school user.” Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

The games are for kids of all ages, some are more tactile while others require advanced reasoning and strategic planning.