Whereas most students daydream in class about beating the final level of Halo, the criminology students at Fox Valley College have melded their curriculum with a fast-paced shooter.
Using video games for therapy, education or simply for pleasure isn't new; however, using a first-person shooter to train prospective police officers is certainly a novel idea. Yet, that's precisely what's happening at Fox Valley College, where the detectives-in-training are taught how to negotiate tricky scenarios like domestic disputes and robberies using a video game. The proprietary software, developed entirely for the purposes of academics, is used in tandem with the lessons of the professor, who in turn walks the students through each progressively challenging level. But don't become too invested, warns edutainment pioneer Kurt Squire, "Games will never replace teachers any more quickly than a book or film or radio."
Interactive Police Investigations
Fox Valley College is Using Video Games to Teach Criminology
Trend Themes
1. Gamified Education - Using video games as an educational tool is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the education industry.
2. Simulation Training - Utilizing simulation-based training through video games can revolutionize the way skills are taught in industries like law enforcement.
3. Virtual Reality Learning - Incorporating virtual reality into educational experiences can create immersive and engaging training environments.
Industry Implications
1. Education - The education industry can benefit from incorporating video games and interactive technology in their curricula to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
2. Law Enforcement - By using video games for simulation training, the law enforcement industry can improve the practical skills and decision-making abilities of prospective police officers.
3. Technology - The technology industry can explore opportunities in developing innovative educational software and virtual reality platforms for interactive learning.