Debate Concludes

Wow what a week this has been. The gaming debate is now over for year 2 educational studies.  Each of the groups worked well to establish their points in a formal debate structure.   It was much easier for some teams than others as unfortunately there were the usual absences leaving some teams rather depleted in numbers.  However, in most cases, this did not affect the success of the debate.  Overall the case for establishing games in education won the most points, the judges’ comments concluded that, in general, arguments were structured, speakers were well informed and often referred to appropriate research to back up their proposals and observations.  To summarise, the research used suggests that there is still a way to go before there is any conclusive evidence either way to support or exclude the use of gaming in education.  But for me the most interesting aspect of the whole week was the adaptation of the formal debate with the use of technology.  One group in particular utilised the Internet to build their counter arguments and to make notes as their opponents spoke.  This was the most detailed and intense (not aggressive) debating group, with each side utilising all the resources available to them.  For example in one instance the pro-gaming team used BECTA to support their argument discussing measures that were in place to ensure that games were safe for use in the classroom, however the “against” team sought material to suggest that BECTA were no longer a credible source as the new government had instigated their demise in May 2010 (more is the pity I know, but the fact remains). It was the process that I loved however, the fact that I was witnessing the technology revolution; arguments can be challenged on the spot, live research streamed! Just wish I had captured it on camera too.  Look out Question Time!