This article reports on ebook distributor Overdrive’s plans to add gaming features to their books.

They admit that they’re using the addictive nature of computer games to further education, though I’m somewhat doubtful about how much information will stick in a student’s mind. Several surveys have shown that people remember more of a printed paper book than they do an ebook.

Having children chase video game-inspired achievements and badges might sound like an effective carrot, but there’s a danger that players (for that’s what they’ll be) will become good at gaming tactics while learning nothing. Also, there might be elitism…some pupils might dislike gamified books, preferring to study the traditional way.

What do you think?