In the near future when you ask your kids what they did at school, they might answer that they played video games.

It was recently announced that a new game inspired by the SimCity virtual reality game is coming to the classroom. Teachers will be able to upload educational content to the game that requires players to build virtual cities.

Launching this March, SimCityEDU was developed by a partnership between game-maker Electronic Arts, Inc. (EA) and GlassLab, a research and development initiative aiming to transform learning practices through digital games. Educators can utilize SimCityEDU in the classroom to teach students STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum with virtual lesson plans and games.

"In the classroom, SimCity will be more than a game — it will be a way for the next generation of leaders to hone their skills through urban planning, environmental management and socio-economic development," notes a statement about the game.

SimCity teaches "problem solving skills through imaginative civic gameplay," Lucy Bradshaw, senior vice president and general manager of EA’s Maxis Label, said in a statement.

The game will abide by U.S. Common Core standards, which are standards set to provide a consistent outline to teachers of what students should learn and prepare them for college or a career after their education. Forty-five states have adopted these standards.

But will the video game help students learn?

"From its beginning, SimCity has prompted learning by giving players a platform where choices have real consequences, and every decision sets in motion a cascade of developments that require complex analysis and strategic thinking," David Kleeman, president of the American Center for Children and Media, tells Mashable. "A lot of great teachers have used well-developed simulations for deep engagement - perhaps my favorite is John Hunter's 'World Peace Game.' So, much depends on how teachers are supported in using the game, but from what I've read so far, Electronic Arts wisely intends to let teachers share their insights and innovations around SimCityEDU."

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This wouldn't be the first time a popular video game was incorporated into students' curriculum. It was recently announced that there would be a classroom version of DanceDance Revolution for physical education classes. And at one college, a video game became a required material for first year students. There's been numerous studies that show responsible gaming can actually be good for kids and encourage learning.

What do you think about SimCityEDU in the classroom? Tell us in the comments.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, StephanHoerold