In classrooms around the state, hundreds of schoolchildren have been defending their nation from Wraith attacks in the battle to defeat the Shadow Plague.

They are playing a computer game – with their teachers’ blessing – as part of a project to integrate game design into teaching and learning. Students at 14 schools, from years 3 to 10, have joined the project, which is linked to the primary and secondary curriculum and allows students to design their own computer games.

It was developed by the Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre, a collaboration between the NSW Education Department and Macquarie University, which gives schools access to innovative technologies in class.

Jamie Smith, 12, and Robert Metcalfe, 11, are keen gamers – and can hardly believe their luck that a favourite hobby has become part of their lessons. Their school, Gordon East Public, was one of five to pilot the project.

“You feel really privileged right now to have this kind of learning,” Jamie said. “It’s a lot more interesting, it’s a lot more interactive. [Instead of] waiting for your turn to put your hand up, you all make a game and you all get to see each other [working]. You pretty much all have a say in what you’re doing.”

Robert agreed, saying: “It’s better than maths problems that don’t really relate to anything. It’s teaching you the same sorts of things but it’s fun, so you wouldn’t fall asleep in class.”

The school’s computer co-ordinator, Simon Hutchison, was part of the team that designed the Invasion of the Shadow Plague game. He said it allowed students to apply their skills in areas such as maths, problem-solving, critical thinking and narrative writing.

Computer games teach pupils by stealth

playing a “let’s make games” game in Australia