Article Written by Mark Bradford.
Modern-day learning is geared towards creative thinking, complex problem solving, and using the Internet to work and interact. In the past, forms of learning were somewhat fixed, disallowing any unconventional teaching methods.
However, aspects like digital gaming in the classroom have changed the narrative. Video games are no longer considered a distraction for students. In fact, according to Forbes, 74% of K-8 teachers use digital gaming options to teach.
Students were initially thought to spend too much time on their screens, causing them to use essay writing services to help with the workload. However, nobody thought about the reason behind the growing popularity of gaming and the reduced interest in reading, researching, and classwork.
Inarguably, it is tedious to teach students today using archaic methods. Moreover, it leads to loss of concentration, especially in college students. Consequently, researchers encourage the use of different methods. So, how did gaming enter the classroom?
The History of Digital Gaming as a Teaching Tool
Video gaming did not just start being a part of schooling. Anyone who went to school from the 70s through the 90s got to experience video gaming in the classroom.
Still, many schools are adamant about applying a gaming strategy to boost interest in schoolwork. It has been 50 years since some teachers started using gaming to teach their students. The gaming industry has made billions within this period, but the interest in studying has not increased that much.
The resistance is not evidence-based since there’s no proof of the negativity of video games in teaching. Instead, it’s all cultural since the media tends to focus only on the negatives.
Here are five reasons why you should use video games in every classroom.
Video Games Attract More Learners to STEM
In the recent past, science and technology advisors have reported the need to get more students interested in these programs:
- science;
- technology;
- engineering;
- math.
Schools have difficulty introducing calculus courses because students show no interest in the subject. Getting an online writing paper service to do a calculus paper for you is easy. However, seeking such a service shouldn’t be because the topic is boring.
After all, learners need time away from classwork. With that said, schools should increase students’ interest in technical courses. Some colleges developed calculus games to assist in understanding and enjoying calculus. You are more likely to improve your mastery of calculus using video game guidance.
They Provide Experiential Learning
As opposed to prior theoretical learning in schools, today’s learning borders more on the practical side. For example, creative problem solving is impossible to learn in theory.
Solving math problems using games is the best way to instill critical thinking skills in students. You become excited to solve a problem, and the chances of forgetting how you did it are close to none.
Apart from math, gaming options with social and community themes help teach civic duties. Put simply, these games offer practical examples and allow students to do the work themselves.
Players Learn From Failures
If there’s one thing video games teach you, it’s how to rise and try again. That’s an important lesson to teach in school. However, it’s difficult to do so without a practical example.
You should not view failure negatively. Some game developers design games that require learners to fail to put things into perspective.
Every failed move earns the player points. In failing and trying again, players ultimately get it right. Such a skill is essential in the classroom as it helps learn new skills by trying, failing, and trying again.
The Games Keep You Engaged
Getting a student to concentrate on assignments is a long stretch. Once you’re away from the classroom, you cannot do much. However, enhancing a student’s interest in what you’re teaching means increased love for the subject.
The time spent in class is not enough to cover all that college offers. That’s why students need more engaged time on a task. In addition, you get an improved learning experience by becoming curious about a topic. Finally, educational games increase motivation and engagement. Thus, it’s an excellent solution for time spent outside the classroom.
Video Games Simplify Complex Topics
Understanding a topic relies on the ability to build on prior knowledge. Building on previously learned concepts helps you embrace the information as your own, thus taking pride in learning new things.
As a teacher, you want your students to develop literacy skills and abstract thinking. Learning becomes more fun once students do so because they don’t cram the information but internalize it.
Video games aid teachers in making otherwise complex topics fun and easy to understand while at the same time boosting skills such as abstract thinking.
Conclusion
Video games are a fun pastime. However, they have an even better purpose in the classroom. Classes shouldn’t be all doom and gloom but instead encourage creative ways to understand topics.
That’s where educational gaming options come in. You adapt creative ways to tackle issues, solve problems, and grasp new concepts. In learning, no method is cast in stone as the main aim is to help grasp the information.
In the 21st century, students absorb information in more unconventional ways than ever before. The good thing is that these new methods are working.
