Google Arts & Culture has been a platform that enables tourists and other adventurous individuals to learn more about the various cultures of communities around the world. In the same spirit, students can gain from its services by getting access to in-depth knowledge and information about the world’s diverse cultures. Students can utilize the resources provided by Google Arts and Culture to diversify their cultural mastery. There are many ways students can do so, albeit we will expound on the game-based way.
Google Arts and Culture have an elaborate section of games within which students can extend their knowledge of cultures. There are a total of 5 games in the section. The games are designed to evoke curiosity and the urge to learn in their users.
They are as follows:
1- What Came First
This is a game that asks learners to select what comes first. The success of a participant is highly dependent on speed because being swift is the only way to earn more points. In the game, students are provided with a visual representation of things or places that come in various designs like symbols of architectural work, inventors, photos of art, museums, etc. Thereafter, they are asked to identify and point out the one that is older between two visual prompts. After a student responds, they can scroll down and get enlightened about the visual images.
2- Cultural Crosswords
Puzzle games such as crosswords have an interactive and lovely nature that not only helps in providing an interesting learning environment but also acts as a pastime. Cultural Crosswords is one such puzzle game that improves students’ cultural awareness. It is classified into 4 major sections, i.e, Nature, Arts, Fashion, Around the World, and Science and Technology. With the breadth of content available, students are spoilt for choice. They also have another option of games in the weekly featured segment. Clues for completing the crossword are available immediately after a player selects a crossword. The Clues contain links that once clicked direct the user to a section with more information about it on Google Arts and Culture.
3- Puzzle Party
This game enables students to solve artistically designed jigsaw puzzles in sets of two or independently. The amount of compelling artwork available for players is overwhelmingly high. Starting a game is simple: To begin with, students have to choose from a variety of artwork they would like to play. To access more insight into this, they can access more information about the game on Google Arts and Culture. Secondly, they have to decide whether they want to play the game individually or in groups. Finally, a distinctive code is provided to enable sharing the game with other students.
4- Visual Crosswords
This game deliberately arranges the students in pairs and makes the unknowing participants play. This enables them to learn more about cultures around the world. For example, learners can learn more about Art Movements by dragging pieces of art into boxes whenever they match the markings in the two columns provided. If the learners are not acquainted with a given piece of art provided, they can get more detailed information about it on Google Arts and Culture.
5- Art Coloring Book
This is one of the most enchanting games available on the platform. It allows the students to examine their skills in painting, thus making the process fun and educational. Students are allowed to select an existing piece of art and tailor it to their liking using the provided coloring implements. When they are done, they have an option of downloading their work and sharing it directly online or via a link. Another impressive feature is that they can print their completed works and access them in hard copy form.