Introduction
Most teachers and parents think of video games as rivals to learning. There is some truth in these thoughts, but there are immense benefits to playing video games for learners. Playing video games has a remarkable impact on the brain, thus proving to be a critical learning tool.
As more researchers continue to investigate the positive effects of gaming, gamification research has so far confirmed that playing video games enhances players’ cognitive abilities. Some games are designed to incorporate school subjects such as mathematics, history, and English. Consequently, gamers engage in learning as they seek entertainment in these games. Gaming has the potential benefits of improving cognitive abilities and incorporating learning concepts.
Enhancement of Cognitive Abilities
Problem-Solving Skills
Video games are composed of different challenges, rules, limitations, and puzzles that players must go through to win. Navigating through these aspects activates a player’s brain to adopt problem-solving skills. According to Nuyens et al., players require a high level of strategic thinking, use of logic, and planning to win a game or challenge (342). Consequently, gamers will often have improved brain development, especially in regions dedicated to reason and problem-solving (Nuyens et al. 389).
Some players may not realize the continued development of these cognitive skills. However, they are more likely to do better in class where problem-solving skills are needed (Nuyens et al. 390). Using logic and problem-solving skills is highly applicable in mathematics and mathematics-related subjects, such as statistics units in higher learning. Therefore, learners who often engage in gaming are likely to do well in problem-solving-related subjects.
Improvement of Memory
Successful gaming requires players to remember all the rules and limitations, specific patterns, and signs that guide the game. Some games are also composed of in-game stories with details such as plot, settings, and characters (Clark). Even when learners lack a working memory, they are triggered to develop it.
Gamers will create and improve their memory as often as they play the videos. Working memory is an excellent tool in the process of school-based learning. Students are expected to have a higher level of memory to store and retrieve learned concepts (Clark).
Furthermore, children develop their storytelling and analysis skills. Using in-game stories, students learn the development of characters, plot, and other storytelling skills. They even enjoy assuming story-based characters within the game. Storytelling skills are essential in English and literature (Clark). With elevated memory, learners can transfer the story development and analysis skills they attain in gaming to school.
Creativity and Improved Focus
Gaming requires applying creative thinking, especially in games that require defeating an opponent. Gamers have to think strategically to find ways to trick their opponent. Consequently, their level of creativity is improved and can be applied in school (García-Redondo et al. 2480). For example, mathematical applications and literature analysis require more creativity.
Playing video games is widely known to capture players’ attention. Although one cannot replicate the addiction to video games, a sizeable focus is eventually created in the player’s mind (García-Redondo et al. 2480). Students can learn suitable motivational lessons from the long-time guide and apply them to their learning. Reading school-based storybooks requires attention, which could be easy for gamers.
Noting that children’s interest in games may not match their interest in books, students who play video games could find it easy to focus for a long time. A study by García-Redondo et al. proves that video games improve the level of focus in children with specific disorder learning (SLD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (2480).
The research was conducted using serious educational-based video games, and the participant was trained in how to play. The study results show that after 28 gaming sessions, the children with ADHD and SLD had specifically improved their skills in learning (García-Redondo et al. 2480). Those with ADHD paid more attention after gaming than before. Therefore, through gaming intelligence, learners can improve their creativity and focus.
Coordination and Social Skills
Playing video games entails hand-to-eye coordination and conversing with other players. According to Calvo-Morata et al., gaming increases hand-to-eye coordination by developing better sensorimotor skills. Sensorimotor skills are crucial for faster learning, especially in concepts requiring hand-eye coordination, such as keyboard typing and dancing. Typing and dancing require the simultaneous use of hands and eyes.
Most popular video games involve vivid visuals and auditory stimuli (Calvo-Morata et al.). Most players react to the stimuli and are likely to move their bodies and make noises. In games where two people compete, players roll their whole bodies in coordination and defense (Calvo-Morata et al.). Consequently, such gaming encourages players to be physically active. Furthermore, players enhance their social skills during such heated games. They are constantly speaking and can work together as a team.
In games that pose challenges for many players, gamers must work as a team to win. Henceforth, children who play video games can develop prosocial skills. Calvo-Morata et al.’s study shows that game developers have designed serious games to fight bullying.
The anti-bullying games are created with bullying characters, and the players are expected to play the anti-bullying role. Others have bullying stories and educational tips on how to end bullying (Calvo-Morata et al.). These video games help learners develop practical social skills through which they can work in class teamwork and relate positively with each other.
Speed Brain Function
Video games are composed of auditory and visual stimuli that gamers must consume, understand, and react to in seconds to take the next step. According to Clark, video games teach players to think faster and accurately and make precise decisions. Therefore, increased speed is created with creativity, decision-making, and precision.
In gaming, it is significant to make accurate decisions. Thinking quickly eventually forms a player’s fast-speed brain function (Clark). Thinking faster is a good skill and is applicable in all school lessons. In most cases, a fast brain is essential in capturing class concepts.
Incorporation of Learning Concepts
Teaching Mathematics Through Video Games
Mathematical concepts are more entertaining when manipulations are used in their applications. Such manipulations have gone viral in the world of gaming. Gaming has become a popular way for virtual thinkers to practice and enjoy mathematics (Zeng et al. 186). For example, Math Snacks is a free online platform with mathematical games designed with fractions, number lines, graphing, expressions, and variables (Zeng et al. 189).
The games set a fan environment in which a child who does not enjoy mathematics in class can enjoy it as a game. In playing, the child learns several mathematics-based concepts that could be applied in the classroom. According to Zeng et al., educational video games can form an attractive learning environment for students with low interest levels in studies (192). Consequently, children who play video games could find that method of learning more enjoyable, effective, and scientific.
Teaching History Through Video Games
Game developers and designers use the most compelling historical and accurate stories to make game stories. The videos are created with a certain degree of truth, thus passing historical concepts to the players (Zeng et al. 190). It could be challenging in history classes to learn all historical events, and games have come to fill that gap.
There are hundreds of history-based video games available online and in various cinemas. For example, the game Oregon Trail gives information on the limited resources and dangers of American settlers who landed in the West for the first time (Adair). Some children who might not have had a chance to learn such topics in history class will have gained that knowledge by watching a video game.
Another example is the game East of the Rockies, which introduces players to the life of Japanese descent during the internments of World War II. From watching this game, the children can learn what the Japanese descendants experienced during the war (Adair). These are among many examples that indicate that video games can help children learn great historical concepts. Indeed, there are also video games based on visiting museums, giving students experiences of the museum, even if it is virtual.
Teaching English Through Video Games
One unpopular aspect of video games is that they have compelling storylines. Indeed, most players argue that gaming stories are more interesting than school-based storybooks. Video games also allow players to participate in the story, thus developing storytelling skills (Zeng et al. 186). As a major or one of the characters, the game player learns a few things about story character development and plotting.
According to Adair, video games can offer an entry point to English content. For example, when teaching tone, students could have problems understanding the concept, but those playing video games are familiar with different tones for telling stories. Teachers can also incorporate game storylines in their lessons where possible (Adair). The discussion of games could help laid-back students who play games to have a voice. A discussion of game characters could force quiet students to contribute, thus developing participatory skills in class.
Conclusion
Gaming has the potential benefits of increasing cognitive functionality and teaching school concepts. Video players engage in a selection of different videos, each triggering various aspects of thinking and reasoning. Gamers have a high potential to be creative and coordinative, think fast, and solve problems. Gamers with learning disabilities have a chance to improve their skills through games.
Children who find class uninteresting could use educational video games in which they can see the fan and learn skills. The development and design of most video games apply similar concepts used in the school curriculum. Through games, children can learn mathematics, English, and history as they do in class.
The potential benefits of using video games as a learning tool are still mildly investigated. Most of the existing studies about this topic are qualitative. Therefore, it would be significant if researchers conducted more qualitative studies to collect evidence that proves that video games can indeed be helpful learning tools.
Works Cited
Adair, Cam. “11 Positive Effects of Video Games.” Game Quitters. 2022. Web.
Calvo-Morata, Antonio, et al. “Serious Games to Prevent and Detect Bullying and Cyberbullying: A Systematic Serious Games and Literature Review.” Computers & Education, vol. 157, 2020, p. 103958. Web.
Clark, Caitlin. “5 Reasons Video Games Should Be More Widely Used in School.” Texas A&M Today. 2022. Web.
García-Redondo, Patricia, et al. “Serious Games and Their Effect Improving Attention in Students with Learning Disabilities.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 14, 2019, p. 2480. Web.
Nuyens, Filip M., et al. “The Empirical Analysis of Non-Problematic Video Gaming and Cognitive Skills: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, no. 17, 2019, pp. 389-414. Web.
Zeng, Jialing, Sophie Parks, and Junjie Shang. “To Learn Scientifically, Effectively, and Enjoyably: A Review of Educational Games.” Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, vol. 2, no. 2, 2020, pp. 186-195. Web.