That's edutainment!(editor's note)

If you've ever played Math Blaster or any educational game like it, you know that this genre of software leaves much to be desired. Games such as these simply add shoot-'em-up action to simple drill-and-practice models. Rarely do they take advantage of the computer's ability to create compelling, immersive worlds, simulate complex phenomena, and enable interaction with virtual objects and characters as do many state-of-the-art action/adventure game titles.

"Historically, educational games have been a bit like a spinach sundae--not very tasty and not very good for you, either," says Henry Jenkins, director of MIT's Comparative Media Studies department. That's because a lot of educational games have been made either by educators who don't know much about creating compelling game play or by game designers who distort the educational material, he says. "As a result, most of the 'edutainment' games on the market have all the entertainment value of a bad game and all the educational value of a bad lecture."

But that may be about to change. A new initiative by Jenkins' program at MIT aims to transform the way the world learns through computer games. Called "The Education Arcade," the project aims to employ the latest education research and computer graphics technology to create games that are both educational and fun. So far, more than a dozen proof-of-concept games have been developed, including the following:

Sole Survivor: Earth has been destroyed by aliens. But you have been rescued by rebel alien scientists pledged to preserve the human species. Unfortunately, you are the only survivor. If you help your hosts, they may be able to clone a new human race. This is what they tell you. Should you believe them? You must use your ...