Games and learning is a field of education research that studies what is learnt by playing games, the advantages, disadvantages and how to moderate game time in younger pupils. Reality is that games are already, to a certain degree, integrated into educational systems to achieve a variety of learning outcomes. How do we maximise the advantages and minimize the disadvantages playing games?
Video game is the most popular and widely type of game.The impact of video gaming on school pupils can vary depending on the individual child and a lot of circumstances. Factors such as the type of video game, the amount of time spent playing, and the child’s age and developmental stage can all influence the effects of video gaming. Additionally, teachers and parental involvement and setting clear limits on video game use can help mitigate against the negative effects while promoting the benefits.
Video games can be appropriate for school pupils, but it ultimately depends on the specific game and the individual child. There are many video games that are designed specifically for children in different age groups, with educational or developmental goals in mind. These games can help children develop skills such as problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and hand-eye coordination. It can also help to improve the power of concentration, creativity, memory, languages and teamwork.
However, it is important for parents to be aware of the content and age appropriateness of the games their children are playing. Some games may contain violence, adult themes, or other content that may not be suitable for young children. Parents should also consider the amount of time their children spend playing video games, as excessive screen time can have negative effects on a child’s physical and mental health.
The effectiveness of video games on pupils is quite controversial because it has mixed effects (benefits and risks) on educational outcomes.
That not withstanding, it is recommended that the types of video games that pupils engage should be dependent on a variety of factors like age, interests, and access to technology. Here are some examples of video games that may be popular among younger pupils:
Educational games
Many elementary school teachers and parents encourage children to play educational games that are designed to teach specific skills, such as reading, math, science, and social studies. These games can be found on websites, mobile apps, and dedicated educational consoles.
Puzzle games
Puzzle games can help children develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Examples of popular puzzle games for elementary school pupils include Tetris, Candy Crush, and Bejeweled.
Platform games
Platform games involve navigating a character through a series of obstacles, often in a 2D or 3D environment. Examples of popular platform games for elementary school pupils include Super Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Kirby.
Adventure games
Adventure games often involve exploring a fictional world, solving puzzles, and interacting with characters. Examples of popular adventure games for elementary school pupils include Minecraft, Terraria, and Roblox.
Racing games
Racing games involve competing against other players or computer-controlled opponents in high-speed races. Examples of popular racing games for elementary school pupils include Mario Kart, Need for Speed, and Crash Team Racing.
Let us examine the positive and negative effects of video games.
Positive Effects
Video games can help improve cognitive skills such as attention, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving, which are essential for learning in elementary school.
Some educational video games can help develop math, science, and literacy skills in a fun and engaging way.
Cooperative video games can promote teamwork, communication, and social skills among players.
Negative Effects
Excessive video game use can lead to addiction and health problems, such as obesity and sleep disturbances, which can negatively impact academic performance.
Violent video games can promote aggression and desensitization to violence, which can lead to behavior problems in the classroom.
Video game use can interfere with important activities such as homework, physical activity, and social interaction.
It can cause lower reading and writing scores, lack of motivation and poor focus, increased anxiety, poor vision and addiction that may affect the psychological wellbeing of children.
Hence, it’s important for parents and teachers to monitor the types of video games children play to ensure that they are age-appropriate and provide educational or entertainment value.
In conclusion, as the field of digital world is ever maturing and with the increasing demand for student-centered teaching methods, there is need for the deployment of game-based activities in schools for simulations that will enable pupils to face the challenges of the dawning era. Video games can be a fun and educational form of entertainment for school pupils, as long as parents monitor the content and limit their children’s screen time appropriately.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
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