Gaming and Education: How Video Games are Being Used in the Classroom

In recent years, the use of video games in education has gained significant attention as a way to engage students and teach important skills.

As technology continues to advance and the gaming industry grows, educators are finding new and innovative ways to incorporate video games into the classroom. But not everyone is convinced that video games have a place in education. Some argue that they are a distraction and a waste of time, while others are concerned about their potential negative effects on young minds.

Despite these concerns, research has consistently shown that video games can be a valuable tool for learning. When used effectively, they can increase motivation and engagement, enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and provide a real-world context for applying knowledge.

They can also be a useful way to develop social and communication skills, particularly for students who may be shy or struggle with traditional group work.

As more and more educators begin to recognize the potential of video games in education, we are seeing the emergence of successful video game-based educational programs. These programs range from Minecraft Education Edition, which allows students to design and build virtual worlds, to Kahoot!, a game-based learning platform that can teach various subjects.

Game-based language learning programs also use immersive and interactive gameplay to help students learn a new language.

While video games in education certainly have their benefits, there are also challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Age-appropriateness is essential, as certain games may not be suitable for younger students.

It is also essential to balance video games with traditional teaching methods and ensure that teachers are trained and supported in using these tools.

Despite the challenges, the use of video games in education can revolutionise how we teach and learn. As more research is conducted and best practices are developed, we can expect to see the role of video games in education continue to grow and evolve.

The benefits of using video games in education

• Improved engagement and motivation: One of the primary benefits of video games in education is that they can increase student engagement and motivation. Many students, particularly those who struggle with traditional teaching methods, find video games to be more engaging and enjoyable. This increased motivation can lead to better class attendance and participation and a greater willingness to learn.
• Enhanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills: Video games often require players to solve puzzles, make decisions, and strategize in order to progress. This type of gameplay can help students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in both school and the real world.
• Development of social and communication skills: Some video games require players to work together as a team or communicate with one another in order to succeed. This type of collaboration can help students develop social and communication skills, particularly for those who may struggle with traditional group work.
• Opportunity to apply knowledge in a real-world context: Many video games are designed to simulate real-world situations or environments. This can give students a unique opportunity to apply what they have learned in a more authentic and meaningful context.

Examples of successful video game-based educational programs

• Minecraft Education Edition: Minecraft is a popular sandbox-style video game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds. The Education Edition of the game is specifically designed for classroom use and includes a variety of lesson plans and resources for teachers. Students can use the game to design and build virtual worlds, solve problems, and collaborate with their classmates.
• Kahoot! and other game-based learning platforms: Kahoot! is a popular game-based learning platform that allows teachers to create quizzes and surveys that students can take on their own devices. It can be used to teach a variety of subjects, including math, science, and social studies. Other similar platforms include Quizlet and Classcraft.
• Game-based language learning programs: Several game-based language learning programs use immersive and interactive gameplay to help students learn a new language. Examples include Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Babbel. These programs can benefit students who struggle with more traditional language learning methods.

Challenges and considerations

• Ensuring that video game use is age-appropriate: It is important to ensure that the video games used in the classroom are age-appropriate. This means considering the content of the games, as well as the level of difficulty and complexity. Games that are too difficult or inappropriate for a particular age group may lead to frustration and disengagement.
• Balancing the use of video games with traditional teaching methods: While video games can be a valuable tool for learning, it is important to balance their use with more traditional teaching methods. This means finding the right balance between video game use and activities such as lectures, readings, and hands-on projects.
• The need for teacher training and support: Using video games in the classroom can be a new and unfamiliar experience for many teachers. It is important that teachers receive training and support to incorporate video games into their classrooms effectively. This may include guidance on selecting appropriate games, implementing them in the curriculum, and assessing student learning.

Conclusion

• Recap of the benefits of video game use in education: In conclusion, the use of video games in education has the potential to engage students and teach important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. When used effectively, video games can increase motivation and provide a real-world context for learning.
• Call to action for educators to consider incorporating video games into their classrooms: While there are challenges and considerations to keep in mind, the growing body of research on the benefits of video game use in education suggests that it is worth considering for educators. By staying up-to-date on best practices and seeking out training and support, educators can effectively incorporate video games into their classrooms and give their students a unique and engaging learning experience.

Citations

• emste.com (PDF), Nature.com, VoaNews.com and Ibedrola.com.

About the author

Hasan Huzaifi is a professional article writer covering esports, family, technology and learning topics.