A Brief History of Computer Games in Education

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A Brief History of Computer Games in Education

• Daniel Laughlin, Ph.D.
• UMBC GEST
• March 15, 2005
• MEC 2005
• daniel.laughlin_at_gsfc.nasa.gov
• http//learners.gsfc.nasa.gov/MEC/

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Before CGE

• Wargames (1850s)
• Educational Games and Simulations (1950s)
• Computers and Video Games (1970s)

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Games and Simulations
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The First Wave
Simple applications that had more to do with
demonstrating the principle that the machines
could be used for educational purposed rather
than making either good education or good games.
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Ataris Basic Math Game
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The Second Wave
Educators take part in developing games for the
computer
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Mattels Electric CompanysWord Fun Game
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Mattels Electric CompanysWord Fun Game
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The Third Wave
Rise of the professional educational software
publishers.
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The Learning Companys
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TLCs Oregon Trail
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Broderbunds Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego
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Broderbunds Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego
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The Third Wave
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The Fourth Wave
Immersive virtual worlds put to educational use.
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ID Softwares
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A Virtual Immersion
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Broderbunds Myst
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Tivolas Physicus
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Broderbunds Myst
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Civilization III
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The Future

• More commercial games adapted to education.
• More immersive virtual educational environments.
• More game consoles used in schools.
• More realistic immersive games.

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The Sims
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Dark Age of Camelot
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Linage
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The End

• Daniel Laughlin, Ph.D.
• UMBC GEST
• March 15, 2005
• MEC 2005
• daniel.laughlin_at_gsfc.nasa.gov
• http//learners.gsfc.nasa.gov/MEC/