How And Why To Use Civilization For Education: Gameschooling

Civilization is a popular turn-based strategy video game series developed by Sid Meier and Firaxis Games. While the game is typically seen as a form of entertainment, it can also be used as a tool for education. In fact, Civilization has been used in classrooms around the world to teach students about history, geography, economics, politics, and even philosophy.

Here are some ways that Civilization can be used for educational purposes:

History

Civilization allows players to take on the role of a civilization leader, guiding their civilization from ancient times to the modern era. As players progress through the game, they encounter historical events, technologies, and leaders, and can even recreate historic battles. This provides a unique opportunity for students to experience history in an interactive way, gaining a deeper understanding of how civilizations developed over time.

Geography

Civilization is also a great tool for teaching geography. As players expand their civilization, they encounter different terrain types, natural resources, and climate conditions. This provides an opportunity for students to learn about different regions of the world and how geography can influence the development of a civilization.

Economics

Civilization also simulates economic systems, including trade, production, and consumption. Players must manage resources and make economic decisions in order to maintain their civilization’s growth and development. This can be used to teach students about economic principles and the importance of resource management.

Politics

In Civilization, players must make diplomatic decisions and form alliances with other civilizations. This provides an opportunity for students to learn about different political systems and how they interact with one another. It can also be used to teach students about the challenges of diplomacy and the importance of negotiation.

Philosophy

Finally, Civilization can be used to teach philosophical concepts. As players guide their civilization through different eras, they encounter different belief systems and ideologies, such as religion, science, and humanism. This can be used to teach students about different philosophical perspectives and how they can shape a civilization.

Civilization is a highly versatile and engaging tool for education. By using this video game in classrooms, educators can create a fun and interactive learning experience that helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.