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Ask HN: Any good examples of learning through games/puzzles, for adults?

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Re: Ask HN: Any good examples of learning through games/puzzles, for adults?

#71

Post by pbhjpbhj »

JenBarb wrote: post #9

I like Duolingo for language learning: https://www.duolingo.com/ I don't think its enough to actually learn language on its own, so it's best used mixed with a more formal method of language learning. It's fun and addictive enough that I actually keep using it, so that makes it good to me.

I've been doing Duo (French) for a couple of months, but a I'm not sure I've learnt anything, it just feels like I've reinforced past learning.

I started Chinese, and it just seems so much of a mish-mash - it's like they just randomise testing and eventually you glean enough from the test questions to answer.

With French the closest I've come to learning, that I can point to, is from users answers to comments from other user. And the good and bad are mixed, there's no clarity.

Re: Ask HN: Any good examples of learning through games/puzzles, for adults?

#72

Post by starpilot »

durpleDrank wrote: post #52

When I would meet non English speakers they always told me they learned English by playing FINAL FANTASY on super nintendo. One day, after several attempts at learning another language it dawned on me "Why don't I play Final Fantasy in -INSERT LANGUAGE YOU WANT TO LEARN HERE". It works like a charm and you'll find the "translation barrier" will be removed very quickly.

Works with learning a language through enjoying other media as well. Read Harry Potter or other popular books in another language, watch movies dubbed in that language and so on. Some day (today?) even machine-translated stuff will be good enough to learn from.

Re: Ask HN: Any good examples of learning through games/puzzles, for adults?

#73

Post by jmcgough »

pbhjpbhj wrote: post #71
JenBarb wrote: post #9

I like Duolingo for language learning: https://www.duolingo.com/ I don't think its enough to actually learn language on its own, so it's best used mixed with a more formal method of language learning. It's fun and addictive enough that I actually keep using it, so that makes it good to me.

I've been doing Duo (French) for a couple of months, but a I'm not sure I've learnt anything, it just feels like I've reinforced past learning. I started Chinese, and it just seems so much of a mish-mash - it's like they just randomise testing and eventually you glean enough from the test questions to answer. With French the closest I've come to learning, that I can point to, is from users answers to comments from ot…

Duo taught me japanese characters, but I had a hard time really improving my french grammar from it. There's no substitution for in-person conversation.

Re: Ask HN: Any good examples of learning through games/puzzles, for adults?

#74

Post by corv »

Tcepsa wrote: post #44

I liked Human Resource Machine for brushing up on Assembly language concepts Microcorruption is a fun resource for learning about reverse engineering, assembly language, and cybersecurity (the concept is that you're going through the assembly code of dev kits of different versions of software-controlled locks to find vulnerabilities that can then be exploited to get into warehouses full of MacGuffins). I've gotten th…

Seconded, Human Resource Machine and Zachtronics in general!

Re: Ask HN: Any good examples of learning through games/puzzles, for adults?

#75

Post by falsedan »

teshier-A wrote: post #60
falsedan wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You don't learn any transferable skills tho, all you do is get better at solving The Witness puzzles.

You may also become a better landscape designer.

I think Dear Esther taught me more about environmental design

Re: Ask HN: Any good examples of learning through games/puzzles, for adults?

#78

Post by ball_of_lint »

52-6F-62 wrote: post #64
pininja wrote: post #59

Factorio is a fantastic game for learning systems engineering, and thinking in abstractions. It’s a crafting game similar to Minecraft, and a building game like roller coaster tycoon (but factories instead of theme parks). It’s also very very fun! This game challenges the player to create more and more complex automated systems. If you liked Technic Mods for Minecraft, you’ll love Factorio. https://factorio.com/

Oh god I've sunk some time into that game! Definitely recommend it, but set a timer!

Seconded. Factorio is the sort of game you can lose a few days to without realizing. Very fun, but also very consuming.
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