Medical Education and Video Games

By: Shane S.

We live in a very technologically advanced society where more and more people are enjoying learning through other means than books and notes. With this advancing technology, it's becoming easier and easier for people to access information and career's they may not be interested in to begin with. 

Video games have become a staple of entertainment and are as popular now as movies and TV shows are. Video games are able to portray a narrative in which YOU are the center of the game. You make the choices and you are able to control the character and perform things you may not be able to in real life. By having this medium where you are in control, it allows people to learn more and become inspired to take on careers they may not have thought possible otherwise. 

Through the hands on experience, students and others are more engaged and excited to learn than by learning from a textbook or lectures. "They also suggested that “serious games offer the ability to extend learning outside the classroom.” In that regard, some games are designed to reinforce what students learn in medical classrooms or help them recall knowledge they may have learned earlier" (Pelletier). 

Not only do playing games meant for a wider audience inspire others and make learning exciting, universities are developing their own apps/ games to allow students to learn in a different medium. “Developers at Georgia Regents University (GRU), home to the Medical College of Georgia, have designed several applications for the iPad that take a game-like approach to delivering education on medical topics. … “Today’s students are probably a little more into accessing their information through things like tablets and being able to actually interact with the information,” said Jeff Mastromonico, M.Ed., director of GRU’s Educational and Collaborative Technology unit. “I guess it comes alive for them a lot more than just reading about it in a textbook”’ (Pelletier). 

As technology advances, we are able to open out eyes to a whole new way of learning that is more engaging and interesting to learn. I for one am very excited to see what comes out of this and I hope I can take part in inspiring younger generations to pursue their dreams in no matter what field they go into.

Citation

Pelletier, S. G. (2014). Technology in Academic Medicine: Video Games Take Increasing Role in Medical Education. Retrieved April 03, 2016, from https://www.aamc.org/newsroom/reporter/june2014/384790/technology-medical-education.html

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