Did you know that because of the fast developments in graphical and processing realism of today’s computer games and video games, that many people and organizations are using them as part of their formal training? To name two particular professions which use computer games and video games as a training method, it may surprise you to know that this would include airline pilots and the army.

Suspecting that the pilot sitting at the front of the large commercial plane you are about to fly on has had all his training playing a little game on his home computer is likely to unnerve even the most calm of passengers, as would suspecting that your home and country was being protected by an army who have had little other training than sitting in a dark room hitting a few keys on their keyboard and occasionally clicking a mouse.

Of course, this isn’t the case, and whilst computer and video games do feature as part of the training, they only feature as a relatively small part of the whole, and usually for very specific reasons.

Flight simulator games available today, such as Microsoft’s Flight Simulator, are so realistic and accurate that a whole range of aircraft cockpits are replicated in details, and the scenery, coordinates and position of key locations such as airports so accurate, that it is very easy to practice navigational skill using this method.  Read more... (566 words, 1 image, estimated 2:16 mins reading time)

There are several different styles of learning. Among the different styles of learning are audible, visual and hands on. Many studies have been conducted to show that one of these three is likely to be yours, or your child’s method. Once you have a better understanding of your learning style, or that of your child, you will better know how to learn or how to teach your child. It is much easier to change your study habits than your style of learning. For instance, maybe you listened to a lecture in class, and then had to take a test on the materials covered in the lecture. If you learn by listening, you’ll do fine on the test; however if you are a visual learner, you will likely struggle on the test. A visual learner will retain more of the information from the lecture if the lecturer utilized some sort of visual aids in the lesson. If we turn our attention to online flash card games, for instance, we are able to cover two of the three most popular learning styles. If we add audio to the flash card games, we can teach all three of the most popular learning styles and reach more people.  Read more... (533 words, estimated 2:08 mins reading time)

• Learn how to make change
• Fun twists
• 2-4 players

Product Description
Learning valuable money skills is “in the bag” as you collect, count and exchange money all the way to the finish line. This educational game includes a 17″ x 12″ game board with spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers and a die. For 2-4 players.Editorial Review
What a fun way to learn about combining coins! The object of this colorful and compact board game is to earn money while winding along a cartoon path. Money is earned by landing on a squa… More >>

Learning Resources Money Bags A Coin Value Game

Many board games are based on some realistic life experiences, some deal with sports, real estate, and even banking. Then manufacturers came along and decided to add the process of politics to the line up of gaming options. The games are fun and educational, they also give you insight into the life styles and campaign strategies of people who are presidents, senators and congressmen. Learning what it takes to run the country and run for offices all over the world.

In one game called,”the Making of the President”, you are brought face to face with two of the most well know figures in American political history. You will meet the enigmatic John F. Kennedy and the controversial Richard M. Nixon,in a champaign that takes you back in time to the 1960 election. Through this political race, gamers meet and become one of the two very different political personalities. In the real life election Kennedy wins the race, but in this game, it is anyone’s game. This game allows you to find out what you will have to go through in order to be the leader of the United States.

In another game called “Die Macher” players are invited to check out the 7 political races that are conducted in Germany. This game requires the player to come up with their own party philosophy, and they must learn about how poll results are tabulated, they are introduced to how the media shapes the influence of any political race. All of these tools are available to make the political candidates, who enjoy playing this fun and exciting game go away with an in-depth understanding of German Politics.  Read more... (567 words, estimated 2:16 mins reading time)

So, you’re not sure if you should buy an educational board game. You probably think your children won’t like it, right? Well, I wasn’t sure either. But I bought one anyway. Guess what….they haven’t put it away yet!

There are many good reasons to invest in board games. And those rumors you have heard really are not true. They are not leftovers from the dinosaur age. Most of these games can hold a child’s attention very well in spite of the fact that they often are not what we’d consider “high tech”.

Reason Number One: It gives them something to do besides TV and computer games.

OK, I know what you’re thinking. We parents all think the same things, you know. How do I unglue them from the TV, and/or computer games? Most of us allow our kids to indulge themselves with these electronic devices, but it leaves us with the uneasy feeling that there’s just something unnatural or unwholesome about the messages their young minds are receiving.

How often do you tell your children, “get off of the computer”, or “turn off the TV”? I can hear the whining already. Don’t leave them with a vacuum. Give them something else to do that will hold their attention. Educational board games are a great alternative. They are non-violent and they can teach your child many important skills.

Reason Number Two: You could use these games to develop family connections.  Read more... (624 words, estimated 2:30 mins reading time)