How Educational Video Games Can Really Help
Posted By admin on May 23, 2010
Educational video games, the bane of each and every parent’s existence; the begging for the hottest game or game console, the excuses not to do chores, the absence of clean air and sun rays! It’s enough to drive most parents over the edge; but what if you found out that all those hrs invested in front of the Television, joystick in hand, was actually informative? Prove it you say? Alright let’s look at what video gaming really improves.
Strategic Thinking – Many educational video games need the player to think 2 or 3 movements ahead of their current scenario, the ‘what comes next’ way of thinking. With frequent exposure this will become second nature in everyday living as well.
Problem Solving – Studies have revealed that video games improve problem-solving skills. The majority of (if not all) games are based on a dilemma or journey which the player must then resolve by conquering all road blocks.
Hand/Eye Co-ordination – Using a game controller is just as challenging as learning to touch type or play the violin and just as significant. Try it someday; it’s not easy getting the avatar to do what you would like.
Decision Making Ability – Being capable to make quick decisions in a short amount of time has so many real world applications. Do you turn left or just right, attack the dragon or the Cyclops, halt right now or later on? Granted, there are not mythical beasts or Cyclops in real life but you get the concept.
Creativeness – The old debate is that there is no need to use imagination in television, films, or video gaming. Wrong! Where else can you picture yourself to be a strong, rugged barbarian or a sorcerer with extraordinary forces? Imagination needs a place to begin and what better place than the amazing imagery and distinctive scenarios available in a video game? Of course you could always stare at a bunch of blocks and see what comes to mind.
Exploration – Video role-playing games encourage the gamer to stray off the usual journey, take a chance and open the door, not knowing what could possibly be hiding behind it and work together with other character types. It’s not just a suggestion but a necessity that players gather up their courage and discover the undiscovered.
Memorization – The worlds depicted in educational video games can be vast and being able to access maps and other support can disrupt not only the game but a player’s concentration as well. To avoid this gamers will automatically commit to memory new terrain and remember which tasks must be completed to reach a specific purpose.
Implications – All games, whether pc or video, operate on a ‘action/reaction’ theory. Do action A and reaction B could happen. This is a fantastic opportunity for both gamers and programmers to learn about the implications of their decisions.
Patience, Dedication, Stamina – Very few games can be completed in one day and if you can complete them that soon a lot of people feel totaly ripped off. Actually, many of the most popular video games take days or even months to finish.
Still not certain? Try sitting down with your child’s video game and make it through level 1 without any help. Once you are successful, take another look at our list and decide for yourself if we are right.
