In an age where video games are often seen as a distraction from learning, one middle school teacher has found a way to seamlessly integrate gaming into his classroom. Mr Mahathey, a Social Studies teacher, has been using the popular action-adventure video game Assassin's Creed to engage his students in history lessons. And it seems his creative approach has struck a chord, as a video of his lesson has gone viral, amassing over 1.7 million views on TikTok.
What makes Assassin's Creed particularly helpful for history lessons is its attention to detail and historical accuracy. The gameplay takes players on thrilling journeys through various historical periods, including Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the American Revolution. By exploring these virtual worlds, students are able to visualize and experience the historical events they are studying.
In his viral video, Mr Mahathey uses Assassin's Creed to teach his students about the Battle of Thermopylae, which occurred in Greece in 480 BC. Pointing to the game's depiction of the battle, he explains, 'So, right there, that’s going to be the entrance to Thermopylae. That’s a very narrow passageway in order for the Persians and the Greeks to fight.' It's clear that Mr Mahathey's unconventional teaching method has captured his students' attention and made the subject matter come alive.
The response to Mr Mahathey's approach has been overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers have praised him for finding a way to make history lessons more engaging and accessible. One person commended the historical accuracy of Assassin's Creed, saying, 'The one thing Ubisoft gets right is the historical accuracy of the locations in their games.' Another individual expressed their own desire to have been taught in such an innovative manner, writing, 'That's smart. I would 100 percent pay way more attention if my teacher did this.'
Interestingly, Mr Mahathey is not the only educator to recognize the educational potential of Assassin's Creed. Academics have also utilized the game, specifically Assassin's Creed Origins, to teach about Ancient Egypt. Dr. Kate Sheppard, an associate professor of History and Political Science, and Dr. Chris Naunton, an Egyptologist, have lauded the game for providing a realistic and immersive experience of a reconstructed past. They believe that video games can offer a credible and accurate representation of history, thereby bridging the gap between virtual worlds and real-world evidence.
Perhaps the success of Mr Mahathey's approach and the endorsements from academics like Dr. Sheppard and Dr. Naunton can change the perception of video games as mere entertainment. Rather, they can be viewed as powerful educational tools that engage students in a way traditional textbooks and documentaries cannot. By harnessing the immersive and interactive nature of gaming, teachers have the opportunity to make subjects like history come alive, fostering a love for learning that transcends the classroom.
So, the next time parents question their child's gaming habits, as long as they're playing Assassin's Creed, the child can confidently say they're doing some history homework. Who would have thought that video games could become an integral part of education? Thanks to pioneers like Mr Mahathey and the creators behind Assassin's Creed, we have discovered a new way to engage young minds and bring history to life.
