When discussing ways to teach history to students, it is crucial to find engaging and innovative methods that can hold their interest while imparting valuable knowledge. One such novel approach is using the popular video game franchise Assassin’s Creed, particularly the third installment titled Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood. This game transports players to Renaissance-era Italy, allowing them to interact with notable historical figures and experience the political, economic, and social intricacies of that time. This article delves into how utilizing Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood in the classroom can help foster a unique learning experience for students.

Historical Context:

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood is set during the late 15th and early 16th century in Rome and other parts of Italy. The player assumes the role of Ezio Auditore, an assassin working towards dismantling the corrupt Borgia regime. Throughout the gameplay, players get to meet and interact with major historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Caterina Sforza. The representation of significant events such as the fall of Monteriggioni and Rome’s struggle for independence provide valuable opportunities for teachers to engage with students about this period in history.

Benefits of Using Video Games in Education:

1. Engaging and Interactive: Video games have widely been known for their immersive nature, stimulating visuals, and captivating storylines. Introducing them as a learning tool makes lessons more exciting as students can connect with historical content through a medium they already enjoy.

2. Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood challenges players to strategize, solve puzzles, make decisions, and participate in a wide array of gameplay mechanics. These aspects help develop students’ critical thinking abilities while still being entertaining.

3. Encouraging Collaboration: Collaboration plays an essential role in education as it helps build essential teamwork skills while promoting the idea of learning from shared experiences. Students can learn together while playing the game, discuss strategies and historical facts, and engage in debates around these topics.

Ways to Integrate Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood into the Curriculum:

4. Incorporate the Game into Lesson Plans: Teachers can use the game as a starting point for discussions on Renaissance Italy, its politics, arts, and sciences. They may also guide students through specific scenes or missions to emphasize particular historical events or figures.

5. Assign In-Game Research Projects: Assign students to research specific historical aspects, locations, or characters within the game and present their findings to the class. This encourages exploration and a deeper understanding of historical context.

6. Debates and Discussions: Stimulate discussions on historically accurate and inaccurate representations within the game. Allow for debates on their impact on players’ perceptions and how this affects historical memory.

Conclusion:

By integrating Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood into classrooms, educators can create a unique learning experience that connects students to history in an engaging way. This unconventional approach not only makes lessons more exciting but also encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and deeper understanding of our past.