Teaching Computer Game Literacy

According to new research computer gaming can actually improve boys' learning and thinking, and it seems girls could fall behind unless they start playing them.

The Institute of Education's Caroline Pellitier argues that we need to teach both creation and analysis of different forms of media, such as computer games, in recognition of its importance as an industry and also in its own right.

Media studies teacher Nikki Madan from Parkside Community School, in Cambridge, thinks computer games can help some pupils with their reading as she believes they offer an entry point for lower ability pupils.

The Institute of Education's Dr Andrew Burn points out that it took almost 100 years for film to become an accepted medium to study. Will it take as long for computer gaming to be allowed onto the school curriculum?