UK Report Praises Educational Effects Of Gaming

A new report has praised the positive impact that games have on children and has encouraged their use in education. Researchers at the Institute of Education at London University have been developing the report of the last three years, partly funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The report claims that games promote social development and draws attention to game literacy as another means of representation, in the same way as writing or drawing. It even goes as far as to urge promotion of games to parents and teachers, so that they see games as culturally relevant as music, film or literature. The report also suggests that games development should be taught in schools from a relatively young age. Understandably, UK trade body ELSPA (The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) is very pleased with the report, with director general Roger Bennett commenting: "At a time of hysterical and inaccurate reporting it is heartening to see the cultural, social and educational value of computer and video games being assessed intelligently.” "Games are a part of life for people from five years old to 85 years old across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. They are produced by professionals with very sophisticated technology, with high production and creative values. This report is further evidence, if it were needed, about the excellence and imagination that thrives in gaming. They have much to offer to the education of our children and they have much to offer as a career."