6 Ways Gaming Is Positively Changing Education
In 2011, the research found that 91% of kids are gamers. Fast forward practically a decade later, and that number's sure to have grown.
Many adults have
been resistant to the idea that video games are good for children. There's this
long-standing belief that these games detract from their daily lives and can
even encourage violence.
However, things are
starting to turn around, and adults are finally realizing the benefits video
games can have for kids.
Are you interested in hearing more? Then here are 6 ways how gaming is positively changing education.
1. Gaming Support Socialization
As human beings, we need to learn to live and work with one another. Without this crucial skill, civilization would fail.
Not only do children learn information in subjects like math and English at school, but they also learn how to work with one another. This is done through tasks like group homework and other socially-involved assignments.
Gaming in education can help step up the socialization children receive at school. This is because most video games are about working together as a team to complete objectives, such as solving puzzles. It can also help students find their voice and develop their leadership skills.
There are actual studies that show improvements in communication skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability in undergraduate students who played video games. By introducing video games to your classrooms, you can help with socialization skills for your students.
2. Learning is More Fun with Gaming
Even with the best teacher in the world, a traditional classroom can get boring at times for students. This is because it's not interactive enough for them. In addition, nothing beats the fun of a game!
By introducing video games into your school, you're utilizing gamification in learning.
What is gamification? It's taking all the elements of games (such as competition, collaboration, and achievements) and putting them into a non-game setting.
In a classroom, this gives students more autonomy instead of just sitting and listening to a teacher. Gamification involves more interaction and engagement, which can increase children's willingness to learn. As a result, they'll be able to retain classroom knowledge better and will be more eager to attend school.
3. Gaming Pushes Students to Excel
Gaming is naturally a competitive yet fun activity. Look at any eSports event; while the competitors are giving it their all to come out on top, in the end, they're still reveling in the fun and excitement.
When you can make a subject some of the students are not as excited about and make it more interesting, this pushes students to excel.
This is especially true when you incorporate the right video games that aren't too difficult, yet aren't too easy either. When kids have the right amount of push, this can put them in a good rhythm and on the road to success.
4. Students Improve Their Technical Skills With Gaming
As technology makes leaps and bounds, it's inevitable that everyone has to have some sort of technical skills. At the very least, they must know how to adequately operate a computer and other advanced devices.
When students are given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with things like workstations, laptops, gaming consoles, and more, they will be more prepared for their future careers. No matter what field they go into, it's almost a given that they'll have to work with some form of technology.
By incorporating video games into your curriculum, not only will it provide a fresh new take on education, but it can also help prepare your students for their futures.
5. Gaming Offers a Different Learning Experience
Every child is different, which means their optimal learning methods will differ as well. While one student might thrive in a traditional classroom setting, another may not. In that case, gaming in education can make a huge difference for them.
For instance, the use of virtual reality (VR) allows kids to get a fully immersive experience. It'll show them things that aren't possible through regular mediums, such as books, pictures, or videos.
Not only can they get immersed in the learning experience, but they can also interact with the environment and complete interesting tasks that help them really absorb the lessons and other useful information.
6. Gaming Can Teach Students to Be Unafraid
Life can be daunting, not just school. Some kids might be afraid to face new challenges because if they fail (such as in a class), that spells impending doom. This can put unnecessary pressure on them.
Video games introduce the notion that things are not always permanent and that it's ok to take risks and sometimes fail. Because video games allow you to start over again, students can bring this type of "dust off and try again" mindset to everything else they do in life.
When children are allowed to approach a problem from different angles and can try over and over again, this can instill some confidence in them. Plus, it helps them develop their critical thinking skills.
Bring Gaming to Your School
As you can see, gaming isn't just a recreational activity that young people play to relax and unwind.
Gaming in education can be a great way to get kids engaged and interested in learning new things. Not only that, but video games can also provide a different perspective on things. As a result, hard-to-grasp subjects can be more easily digested by children of all ages.
So consider all the benefits of gaming technology your students can reap. Include gaming into your school's environment to facilitate more interactive and fun learning!
Would you like to get started on gamification in learning? Then check out our solution brief now. We have everything you need to set up fantastic gaming workstations for your students!
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