Pete_LeGrant February 20, 2009 Entertainment, Industry, PC 9 views Comments Print This Post  Email This Post

Wow. Check it out. Microsoft is slinging some money around, the AP reports (Link is broken… sorry folks):

Microsoft has put up $1.5 million to start The Games for Learning Institute, a joint venture with New York University and other colleges. The goal of the research is to see whether video games — and not just software specifically designed to be educational — can draw students into math, science and technology-based programs. The institute has begun lining up middle school students to study.

Microsoft is the not the first to explore whether video games could enhance education. For instance, University of Wisconsin researchers have found that playing “World of Warcraft” can encourage scientific thinking. The researchers noticed that players used mathematics and models to deal with situations in the game’s fantasy world.

Even so, groups that monitor gaming say Microsoft’s entry into the research will bring needed money and credibility. Many studies so far have focused on educational games, not shooter games.

It just goes to show that the universe of video games is no longer confined to the living room on Saturday mornings.