We have been discussing online games that could be beneficial in education. This week, I'd like to discuss online games that would improve skills. For example, piloting an airplane. Please review the link below and share your thoughts on how we can use online games to improve other skills.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/12/us/richard-russell-q400-flight-simulator.html
Pitt,
ReplyDeleteThis really hits home for me because my Father is a pilot. I have been around airplanes my entire life and I can reasonably say, simulators can only you take you so far. There is a reason why pilots must have so many flight hours. The reasoning is similar for doctors, the experience is where the skill develops. My Father has seen it all and the he still instructs future pilots, providing them with his knowledge and experience so they can fly safely.
v/r
Andy E.
Pitt,
ReplyDeleteI will open by saying the title of the article does not make a strong case for gaming/simulation as a learning tool...he crashed the plane. In this case the gentleman talked about having gained experience on a video game so not quite the same as professional simulations I imagine. As Andy E already stated simulations will only get you so far. In fact, I believe this was discussed in a discussion board before and I was somewhat opposed to using too much simulation in training. I am however interested to see what all can be accomplished and how real the experience can get. I look forward to reading your future posts and learning more.
Mike W.
Mike,
DeleteYou are correct, the complexities of successfully piloting an airplane takes years of training and simulations. Even though Mr. Russell crashed the airplane, he did manage to fly it based on what he learned from the video games. My point is, there is a lot to be gained in education through the use of online games. If this dude can learn to fly a plane simply by playing video games, imagine what he could have done, if he was actually serious about it. The potential is there, we just need to develop it a bit more.
Pitt,
ReplyDeleteOnline gaming and simulators seem to go hand in hand. Many of the current technologies used in video game design were derived from simulators designed to train professionals. My nephew is following in his grandfather and uncle’s footsteps as a racecar driver in Las Vegas. I grew up around racing my whole life, but never got a chance to get in the cars. What I do remember was that my dad and my brothers would spend hours setting up the cars, loading everything up, and heading to the track just spend money on fuel and tires, to practice on Friday nights. Then they would do it all over again to race on Saturdays. My nephew on the other hand practice on the track occasionally, but utilizes a simulator for most of his practice sessions. These simulators are so advanced that they use compressed air to simulate the bumps on a particular track’s surface and pedal response based on the setup of the car. I feel like these types of simulators give way to the same uses of technology in the video gaming world. Thanks for your post Pitt.
-Donny
Check out this link for racing simulator technologies: https://www.cxcsimulations.com/
Charles,
ReplyDeleteGreat article. I do agree the simulators and online games have a real benefit that enhance other skills. For instance, I would think that these types of gaming systems can improve hand and eye coordination, would improve our attention and concentration, and enhance our memory skills whether it is short-term or long-term memory. Also, I think gaming is a great source of learning, it is especially beneficial in improving our brain’s speed to process information and interpret the information that is presented to us so we can be able to observe and react to all the requirements in a particular game. Thanks for sharing and great post
Alex
Charles,
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting article to read. To answer your question through, I do think simulators can help improve skills, but only so far. Like the article said "When you crash in a simulator, you can reset the game." when you crash in real life... it hurts... a lot. The same goes for M4 qualification, We send soldiers to Electronic Skills Trainer. The real life rifle range is just harder... Good post my friend.
Andy D.
Pitt,
ReplyDeleteThis article was interesting to read and sparked a bit of anger in me, I admit. This is why we have regulations on how to properly become pilots in the United States. In the end, this is a danger to having access to such technology. Not only did this guy put himself in danger but also anyone else that was remotely close to the crash site. This leads me to believe we might need to put some regulations on who we just choose to let have access to this kind of technology. After his access ultimately lead to him crashing a plane. Thanks for the great post!
Kevin
Charles,
ReplyDeleteThis does not surprise me at all. Simulators and games are extremely usefully for repetition or procedural processes. The military and most Aviation agencies use them to start out new pilots in training. This simulators can get a person capable of doing it and comfortable with the process. However, just as Andy mentioned you then need and experienced pilot to fly with you while you practice those simulated skills. I have had many hours in a flight simulator and could take off and fly around with ease, but when it comes to landing that is the real hard part. I crash every time. Hope this serves as a lesson, that while you may get the plane up you are not likely to survive bringing it down with out real experience.