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The Ethics of Playing, Researching, and Teaching Games in the Writing Classroom

Evan Hayes

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Games have become increasingly popular in the writing classroom in recent years. This is due in part to the growing body of research that suggests that games can be an effective tool for teaching writing skills. Games can provide students with opportunities to practice writing in a variety of contexts, to explore different writing styles, and to receive feedback from their peers and instructors.

The Ethics of Playing, Researching, and Teaching Games in the Writing Classroom

5 out of 5

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However, the use of games in the writing classroom also raises a number of ethical concerns. These concerns include the potential for games to be used to exploit students, to promote harmful stereotypes, and to create a hostile learning environment. It is important for educators to be aware of these ethical concerns and to take steps to mitigate them when using games in the classroom.

Potential Benefits of Using Games in the Writing Classroom

Games can offer a number of potential benefits for students in the writing classroom. These benefits include:

Increased motivation: Games can be a motivating way for students to learn writing skills. When students are engaged in a game, they are more likely to be focused and attentive. This can lead to increased learning and retention.
Improved writing skills: Games can help students to improve their writing skills in a variety of ways. For example, games can provide students with opportunities to practice writing in different contexts, to explore different writing styles, and to receive feedback from their peers and instructors.
Enhanced creativity: Games can help students to develop their creativity. When students are playing a game, they are often required to think creatively and to come up with new ideas. This can lead to improved writing skills and a greater ability to express themselves creatively.
Increased collaboration: Many games require students to work together in teams. This can help students to develop their collaboration skills and to learn how to work effectively with others.
Reduced anxiety: Games can be a less stressful way for students to learn writing skills. When students are playing a game, they are not as focused on making mistakes. This can lead to reduced anxiety and a more positive learning experience.

Potential Risks of Using Games in the Writing Classroom

While games can offer a number of potential benefits for students in the writing classroom, there are also some potential risks to be aware of. These risks include:

Exploitation: Games can be used to exploit students. For example, some games may require students to pay for in-game items or to purchase additional content. This can lead to financial exploitation of students and their families.
Harmful stereotypes: Games can promote harmful stereotypes. For example, some games may portray women or people of color in a negative light. This can lead to students internalizing these stereotypes and perpetuating them in their own writing.
Hostile learning environment: Games can create a hostile learning environment. For example, some games may contain violence, sexual content, or other inappropriate material. This can make students feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the classroom.

Ethical Guidelines for Using Games in the Writing Classroom

Given the potential benefits and risks of using games in the writing classroom, it is important for educators to use games in an ethical and responsible way. The following are some ethical guidelines for using games in the classroom:

Choose games that are appropriate for the age and maturity level of your students. Games that are too difficult or too mature can be frustrating and discouraging for students. They may also be inappropriate for the classroom setting.
Be aware of the potential for exploitation. Some games may require students to pay for in-game items or to purchase additional content. This can lead to financial exploitation of students and their families. Be sure to carefully review the game's terms of service before using it in the classroom.
Be mindful of the potential for harmful stereotypes. Some games may portray women or people of color in a negative light. This can lead to students internalizing these stereotypes and perpetuating them in their own writing. Be sure to choose games that are inclusive and respectful of all students.
Create a safe and supportive learning environment. Games should be used to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Be sure to set clear rules and expectations for students when they are playing games. You should also be available to answer questions and to help students if they need it.
Use games as a supplement to other teaching methods. Games should not be used as the sole method of teaching writing skills. They should be used as a supplement to other teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and writing workshops.
Be reflective about your use of games. It is important to be reflective about your use of games in the writing classroom. Consider the impact that games are having on your students and make adjustments as needed.

Games can be a valuable tool for teaching writing skills in the classroom. However, it is important to be aware of the potential ethical concerns involved in using games. By following the ethical guidelines outlined in this article, educators can use games in a way that is beneficial for students and that promotes a safe and supportive learning environment.

The Ethics of Playing, Researching, and Teaching Games in the Writing Classroom

5 out of 5