Teachers bringing games to class?

A recent study by Teachers Evaluating Educational Multimedia (TEEM), a partnership between Cambridge University and multimedia consultants, has found that playing some computer games offers significant educational benefits, according to Australian news site RollerCoaster Tycoon help players develop strategic thinking and planning skills. Similarly, sports simulation games encourage players to use databases to track team members' performance and better manage their teams. The study, which tracked the computer game habits of 700 children between the ages of 7 and 16, also found that many children prefer to play games with friends, thereby improving their negotiating and team-building skills.

The researchers noted, though, that not all games have educational value, and that many games are too violent or too removed from reality to be useful in class.