Computer Games Kickstart Business Skills in Classrooms Across Scotland
Reading -UK – 28th February 2007 - Microsoft, in partnership with the Scottish Qualifications Authority, has teamed up with Rangers and Hearts football clubs to introduce business education to the classroom through the use of a sports store computer game.
Over the next three months, 35 schools across Scotland will pilot the game which allows students to open and run a sports store online to help develop their business and enterprise skills. The business objectives of the game are varied and far-reaching, placing interesting challenges before pupils such as staffing issues; decisions have to be taken about staff rotas, training, hiring and firing.
Pupils must develop business plans, marketing strategies and make critical management decisions about the company. Every activity also comes with a time penalty, so that a pupil who takes too long to achieve goals will lose points. Whilst the game is about creating and running a business, it teaches pupils to ensure they are being socially responsible and taking care of their well-being at the same time. The best companies will therefore not necessarily be those that make the most money.
To make the game even more relevant to school children in Scotland, Microsoft has joined forces with top Scottish football clubs, Rangers and Hearts. Pupils have the option to run either a Hearts or Rangers branded store which will allow the pupils to run the business using the clubs’ merchandise.
Steve Beswick, Director of Education, Microsoft Ltd, said: “This is a great project that teaches pupils a new set of skills, preparing them for life outside the classroom. By teaming up with Rangers and Hearts we are also bringing in an added element of fun and providing the pupils with an exciting method of learning. It is important for children to learn a range of skills and by learning through interactive games, they are likely to be more engaged in the learning process and take away key learnings from that experience.
Monica Greer, Business Education Teacher and Enterprise Co-ordinator, Inveralmond High School, said: “The game has had a significant impact on students’ engagement and learning of Business Education and is an extremely useful resource that teachers can use across a range of subjects. The experience that students gain from playing the game is extremely positive in encouraging the development of key enterprise skills; decision-making, risk-taking, creativity and self confidence. These are life skills that will be invaluable once the pupils finish their education.
The Sports Game Store was developed by The Small Business Company (TSBC) for the New Zealand education department. Following its successful implementation in New Zealand, Microsoft and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) introduced the game to the Scottish education system, to help engage children in the classroom and develop their business ‘know-how’ for the 21st century work place. TSBC will update the computer game following Rangers and Hearts’ football matches to ensure the game is kept up-to-date.
Following the successful completion of the pilot, the game will be launched to all schools across Scotland after Easter 2007.
This partnership with the Scottish Executive forms part of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning programme. The programme is designed to improve access to, and make better use of ICT in education. It already provides a wealth of resources and tools for teachers and schools via the other elements of the Partners in Learning programme; the Microsoft IT Academy and Innovative Teachers Programme. Further information can be found at: www.microsoft.com/uk/education/PartnersinLearning.
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