San Antonio Busy Kids

kids & computers (Photo credit: shapeshift)

Gaming in the classroom –it can actually be a productive means of educating your child. Forget the notion of gaming as a way for kids to waste time, melt their brains, or become socially isolated. Gaming can have a positive impact, and, as reported by Mashable, “many teachers are finding that it helps students not only retain information, but remain engaged and motivated as well.”

The use of electronic games in education is on the rise, and with it there are even more creative, educational products emerging. I was fortunate to get to discuss one of these new creative games with Kate Reilly from E-Line Media. The game? Real Robots of Robot High.

This is a video game that is truly unique, focusing on helping kids build healthy relationships and learn about the social systems that are presented to them at Robot High. Your child will actually be learning how to better interact and handle social situations while they play, instead of just trying to beat the high score.

Real Robots of Robot High is set up like a reality show, with situations that you might find in a real high school. As you follow the characters in the school, issues dealing with different kinds of social relationships arise, and as the player, it’s your job to help the characters decide how to handle certain situations. Players navigate animated scenes, almost comic book style, and play out missions that help them begin to understand social system mechanics. They learn what to say or do in certain situations, and how to reach a desired outcome. The games continue to get harder and harder until it’s essentially impossible to beat. And to win, the player has to have a more advanced understanding of the social mechanics at work.

After playing out scenarios at Robot High, visit Game Alley to find games created by other players or make your own to share with others in the Editing Room. There are countless ways to continue the conversation after the game is over with polls and a ‘talk back’ section, and parents can put their minds at ease, all user-generated content is controlled by the administrators at Gamestar Mechanic to ensure a good gaming atmosphere.

Wondering if the game is right for your child? Well, Real Robots is ideal for players ages 11 to 14 who are just starting to take interest in those complex relationships like dating, and are open to discussing different ideas and approaches to relationships (though maybe not face to face with an adult). The game is really an effort to promote healthy relationships for the child’s future and was developed side by side with young people to create an aesthetic that is both appealing and relevant.

Real Robots of Robot High has already got over 30 teachers and 2000 students all over the world playing and reaping the benefits of its curriculum. The wide release will be available at the beginning of December with a free 30-day trial, but for now, teachers are encouraged to get their classes involved in the browser-based game during the trial period (which ends November 17, 2012).

So spread the word, share with your child’s teacher, your friends and family. This video game puts Pac-Man to shame, developed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as part of their Start Strong initiative. I think a game that puts relationships first is something we can all support.