Learning in context in World of Warcraft….

The video proposes that learning in context is far more beneficial to the learner because it allows students to learn within context and it adds an element of FUN and fantasy in education.

While I agree with the idea that contextual learning is far more applicable than theoretical learning, I am not thoroughly convinced that learning through the World of War Craft merits any more points than say Second Life or an asynchronous/synchronous e-learning technology.

Why?

Learning in context can be accomplished in more than one way. The video suggests that learning through games is better. Well, maybe…but it does not entirely take into account that in order for this to become a reality in classroom learning the issues of accessibility needs to be addressed.Middle-class America might be able to afford computers at their homes, but that does not mean that everyone will have equal access to internet or to a computer capable of running high-end video or graphic cards. This also means that public libraries and schools must allocate extra funds to purchase designer-end computers.

I don’t mean to slam the the idea of learning through games. In fact, I love the idea…but realistically it is still a vision of the future. Instead, I would consider using a different tactic: social learning in context in the flesh. What i mean is through people to people interaction in school or universities with an added element of internet based applications like wikies or blogs.