Critics of the education system (for instance see this from Ken Robinson) claim that there has not been enough change in education and students are not being suitably prepared for success in the 21st century.
One argument is that learning is fragmented with subjects taught as distinct areas of knowledge whereas the reality is that learning involves a 'big picture' approach where skills and knowledge relating to language... and maths.... and history.... and science... etc are all required to make sense of, and flourish in the world.
One approach under consideration is the implementation of educational technologies in the classroom, specifically the role of online gaming. One idea, as highlighted in the short video clip below, proposes the use of video games, such as SimCity, to replace exams as a formal method of assessment.
The argument is that games are already an environment familiar to many young people. In addition they require the development of critical thinking, systems thinking and cultivate skills that can help students learn to effectively deal with 'real' world problems.
Data collected by online video games can be used to continually assess students' skill and competence rather than the artificial assessment setting of an exam, thus providing a more realistic account of a student's actual ability.
Is the use of games for assessment something more schools should be considering? Could it also help engage those students currently disillusioned by school?
Or is it important for students to experience the exam setting; to learn the discipline of assessment prepration and to know exactly when they are being assessed?
Watch the clip below - what do you think?
Image source