Kids are told non-stop to put the video game controller down and go outside. Or read a book. Or play with siblings. Video games have gotten a bad reputation as a waste of time, but in the field of education, they just might redeem themselves. The incorporation of games in education has its benefits, including increased learning retention, greater appreciation for diversity, and opportunity to focus on subject areas that need improvement.
Learning Retention
According to TalentLMS, learners recall:
- 10% of what they read.
- 20% of what they hear.
- 30% of an oral presentation with visuals attached.
- 50% of an observed action with explanation.
- 90% of an action if they perform it themselves, even if it’s a simulation.
This information shows that the traditional methods of reading and lecturing are not effective as learning tools when used on their own. Adding games to learning provides support to the learner by rewarding him with instant feedback, visible motivation (like progress mapping), challenging (but achievable) goals, and recognition within a community. The resulting learning environment is one of engagement and positive reinforcement.
Greater Appreciation for Diversity
In a traditional classroom, students’ interactions are limited to other students who attend the same school. When gaming is introduced in the classroom, it opens the doors to players in other cities, states, and even countries. As a result, there is evidence showing more tolerance of other cultures among game players: 62% of gamers hold a favorable view of people from different cultures, while only 50 percent of non-gamers hold this view.
Subject Area Focus
There is an educational game for every subject area from math to ELA to science. These games allow students to work at their own pace and focus on an area of personal improvement while also collaborating with peers. For their part, teachers have the ability to track player progress and monitor student performance.
Gone are the days of mindless video gaming. As the future of education develops, games will become a fixture in any classroom.
Image credit: Wikimedia
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