Microsoft explores educational link to video games

FARGO, N.D. -- Devin Krauter sits on the end of his bed, tapping buttons on his video game controller to shoot down alien beasts while chatting with other players through a headset, texting on his cellphone and talking to a visitor.

The 17-year-old high school junior is ranked by a video game website among the best players at Gears of War 2, in which soldiers attack the enemy with an assault rifle that has a mounted chainsaw bayonet. He says the game teaches him to think on his feet — and that he thinks about succeeding, not slaying.

That intrigues Microsoft Corp.

The software company, which publishes Gears of War, is studying the reactions of avid gamers to see whether video gaming can promote learning skills that carry over to the classroom.

"We want to figure out what's compelling about the games," said John Nordlinger, head of gaming research for Microsoft. "If we can find out how to make the games fun and not make them so violent, that would be ideal."

Microsoft has put up $1.5 million to start The Games for Learning Institute, a joint venture with New York University and other colleges. The goal of the research is to see whether video games — and not just software specifically designed to be educational — can draw students into math, science and technology-based programs. The institute has begun lining up middle school students to study.

Microsoft is the not the first to explore whether video games could enhance education. For instance, University of Wisconsin researchers have found that playing World of Warcraft can encourage scientific thinking. The researchers noticed that players used mathematics and models to deal with situations in the game's fantasy world.

Even so, groups that monitor gaming say Microsoft's entry into the research will bring needed money and credibility. Many studies so far have focused on educational games, not shooter games.

"There isn't a lot of good research out there," said Linda Burch, chief program and strategy officer for Common Sense Media.