WANG Jieqing, a middle school student in Shanghai Luxun Middle School, was happy to discover that he would be able to play online games without opposition from his parents and school.

Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (SMEC) has purchased an online game for students from over 1,700 schools in the city to play in their free time.

The game, called Flying over the Rainbow, is a racing game comparable to the popular "Need for Speed" and "GT3".

"What's unique is the game is set in Shanghai," said Gu Jie, from Shanghai SFS Digital Media Co Ltd, the game's designer. "It should be a thrill to drive cars through the city, from old Shanghai streets to the Oriental Pearl Tower."

The role-playing game is not hard to master. The designer said it takes only 10 minutes for kids over eight to learn it.

The game could very well inspire pride and love for the city because it showcases a wonderful Shanghai with skyscrapers and modern shopping malls, according to the SMEC.

"We must make sure that the game we choose is healthy and helpful," said Gu. "In this game, you do not have to score points or reach new levels. It requires no money and not too much time."

The online game will be available in over 1,700 primary and middle schools in Shanghai after the Lunar New Year.

However, some students who have been told about the game do not show much enthusiasm. They doubt the game would be much fun or be to their tastes because it has a time limit.

"We have no idea what a game will be like with a time limit and no way of advancing to new levels," said Wang Chong, a middle school student from Shanghai Fuxing Middle School. "I don't think I will like it much."

Education channel

In 2003, the government banned Internet cafes from receiving customers under 18. However, Shanghai plans to bring more online games as well as cartoons and comics to its schools. The SMEC will invite open bids for online games and cartoons and it has announced that its information centre and network will provide online game services for free.

The change in attitude by the SMEC came about because online games are immensely popular among young people and the bureau has recognized their potential as a new education channel.

"The influence of online games on young people cannot be ignored," said Weng Tiehui, deputy director of the SMEC. "We should choose the right game for them as online games are becoming part of their life."

School teachers shared the same idea. Chen Xia, a teacher of Chinese in Shanghai Weiyu Middle school thinks it is a good idea to use online games to relieve the pressure on students.

"My students are like studying machines who are busy with homework all day," Chen said. "We should find ways to let them relax and online games may be a good way to do this."

Chen also thought a good online game would help students make progress.

"Students can learn from online games which are usually based on particular historical events," Chen said. "They can learn something about history as they play the game."

Shen Xia, a teacher from Shanghai Hongxing Middle School, thinks online games will help build students' confidence.

"In role-playing games, you imagine yourself as a hero who fights against outlaws and saves their victims," said Shen. "That is a good feeling for a kid. They gain success and fulfillment from the game. But the important thing is to make sure they don't become escapists, mixing up reality and the imaginary world."

Yan Danhua, an expert on education from the Shanghai Educational Press Group, said the decision to bring online games to schools was a wise one.

"Multi-media has proven to be an efficient teaching tool. Students enjoy learning something while they are playing games," said Yan. "Online games will be a new teaching method in which they can learn at the same time as entertaining themselves."

"I have dreamed that one day students will have courses via online games," Yan said.

Experts from online game design companies said they are trying to turn this dream into a reality.

Shanda, China's online game giant, is conducting research into the use of online games in education.

"The idea is practical," Li Lijun, director of the Public Relations Department of Shanda, told the Shanghai Star. "If it proves to be successful, it will start a revolution in educational theory and practice."

Worries remain

However, school authorities are reluctant to welcome games which are regarded as a bad influence on students.

"After all, online games are games," said an official from Shanghai Weiyu Middle School who refused to give his name. "Students will become addicted to them and spend less time on their studies."

The official said the school had no immediate plans to ask the SMEC to bring in the new online games.

Experts from East China Normal University also expressed their concern that students could become addicted to online games.

The designer of Flying over the Rainbow said the game would automatically limit playing time.

"Our software will monitor playing time and the game will be locked down when players exceed the limit," said Gu Jie. "That will help prevent their becoming addicted to it."