Summary
Adult learning theories are excellent tools in successfully articulating different ways adults may learn. From past experiences, to researching current events, adults all have unique ways they choose to learn new knowledge. In the article “Game Engagement Theory and Adult Learning” written by Nicola Whitton, it not only describes how gaming may play a role in adult learning habits but also how certain factors play a larger role in adults learning curves involved in gaming.
There are numerous adult-learning theories that all aim to describe ways adults learn best. This article speaks on how computer based games prove to be useful outlets in learning as adults. It challenges the traditional ideas many individuals have regarding learning and how a game is not a primary means of learning. It also describes how a game must first be engaging in order to be proved useful as a learning tool of education. For instance, the article clearly states two assertions in regards to engaging a learner; the first stating that, “Well-designed and appropriate computer games can promote engagement” and also “More crucially, they have the potential to be effective learning environments”(Whitton, 2010 p.3). With these two statements, Whitton is describing a situation where in order for a game to be engaging and eventually impactful as far a learning, it must be designed great and have effective learning environments. The article goes on to speak on games and a little history about it. Whitton mentions how games were and still are created with fun and entertaining be the first priority. Although with this obvious statement, it gives developers who wish to make games more educational some insightful knowledge. With fun being the first and main priority gamers are obviously engaged with what they are playing and learn things as a result of being engaged in what they are doing. If developers were able to take that same engaging aspect and create a more educational game, game...