The Role of Video Games in Learning: An Unexplored Educational Tool

​Children and young adults are spending more time playing video games than ever before, all thanks to the ever-evolving digital age. Though video games often get a bad rap for the perceived downsides, including negative behavioral changes, a lack of socialization and violent tendencies, some educators and researchers believe that properly designed games can also serve as effective learning tools. In fact, it is believed that video games can improve cognitive functioning, cultivate social skills, provide a sense of empowerment, and enhance educational experiences. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the idea of video games as educational tools and explore how they can be effectively integrated into the learning process.

Video games offer a unique form of education where players interact with computerized systems while simultaneously taking on various roles. This allows players to become an active participant in the education process. When traditional educational methods are imbibed into video game design, they can become effective educational tools. For instance, designing a game that teaches history lessons with various puzzles that challenge player's problem-solving skills can engage players' interest levels while enhancing their critical thinking skills. When players can process, retain, and analyze information quickly, they are more likely to engage with learning and understand the content better. This, ultimately, is the goal of effective teaching, and video games are an effective means to achieve it.

One of the major criticisms of video games is that they distract children from real-life socializing, which can lead to children feeling isolated and disconnected. However, video games can also be thought of as a way to build socialization skills with online interactions (taking safety precautions and with parental supervision). In video games, players make new friends, build alliances, and learn valuable communication skills. Multiplayer games are designed to encourage players to collaborate by completing tasks and challenges together. By playing such games, players can develop interpersonal skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Additionally, games that simulate real-life experiences can educate players on rules, consequences, and ethics through experienced-based learning while helping them hone their decision-making skills.

Video games are filled with different levels, items, achievements, and rewards that make it more engaging for players. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for learning, and video games are built to use them effectively. Since video games are designed to keep players engaged, rewards and achievements can act as incentives for players to continue learning and engaging with the material. The leaderboard feature is another motivator that inspires competitiveness among players, which can be used to heighten performance and encourage players to improve themselves. For example, a mathematics quiz game that awards players with points and badges on their correct answers can create positive feedback loops that ultimately boost the player's motivation towards learning.

Another important aspect of video games is the empowerment that players feel when they achieve a victory in the games. This feeling of empowerment can have a positive impact on their motivation to learn outside of the games. With every success, players feel accomplished and confident, which can inspire them to tackle their studies with the same enthusiasm. In addition, video games can instill a lifelong love for learning, sparking interest in subjects that students might have otherwise ignored.

Conclusion:

While video games may have a bad reputation, they can be incredibly valuable tools when used in the context of education. It is time to see video games not only as mindless entertainment but also as a tool for learning. The contemporary digital age might be intimidating and confusing for teachers and parents, but we need to keep an open mind. Overlooking the possibilities of video games as educational tools would be a mistake. Video games offer new ways to learn and best of all, they can make learning fun and engaging for players. It's time we start using video games as tools for education, empowering students, and fostering life-long learners. So let’s embrace this new era of educational gaming and find innovative ways to use video games in the classroom.