It is argued that digital games, including simulations and virtual worlds, have the potential to be an important teaching tool because they are interactive, engaging and immersive activities. The latest literature review from Futurelab considers this claim and considers the various types of digital games that are described as being educational.

We’re working on a project called Code of Everand which has been developed by the Department of Transport to engage children moving from Primary to Secondary school around the issues of road safety. I mention it because it’s an exciting project; because it’s another example of how games are being used to support learning, and because it is a new take on a traditional area where adults try to help young people understand about risk taking.

Day of the Thing, Human Snake and Capture the Flag are all pervasive games designed to take place in public spaces such as parks and public buildings. Such games combine theatre, painting, dance, and other art forms.

Second Life may usually be associated with unfeasibly proportioned avatars living out their creators’ fantasies but there is another side to the virtual world.