Technology has revolutionized all spheres of our lives. The educational sector hasn’t been left behind, with the traditional approach to education reinvented in recent years. The modern classroom is awash with gadgets. In fact, computer and video games are the most popular and engaging forms of edtech. Despite their wide adoption, they have become a topic of debate, with arguments for and against the practice. Many wonder how they can be used in education with minimal negative impacts. In this article, we’ll explore the evolution, growth, pros, and cons of using video games in education and their future implications for learning.
The Evolution of Video Games in Education: From Pong to VR
In 1968, Mabel Addis introduced The Sumerian Game to students in select countrywide schools. Scholars and researchers widely recognize the incident as the first use of video games in education. However, it was until the early 1990s that most schools embraced the technology. Games like Math Blaster, Number Munchers, Scooter’s Magic Castle, and the Carmen Sandiego Series became popular in classrooms nationwide. Developers designed the early educational games to teach basic skills like math, economics, geography, and critical thinking.
Today, video games have become ubiquitous in the educational sector. From virtual to augmented reality, they offer a range of experiences that educators exploit to enhance learning outcomes. Most importantly, they are more immersive and engaging than ever before. Games like Minecraft and Fortnite have become popular tools for teaching STEM subjects, while games like Assassin’s Creed and Civilization are used to teach history and social studies. Virtual reality games like Google Earth VR and Tilt Brush offer a new level of immersion, allowing students to explore and interact with virtual worlds in once-impossible ways.
A Look at the History of Video Games in Education
The history of video games in education, especially in America, features innumerable turns. Despite their earlier introduction, it was not until two decades ago that they became ubiquitous in classrooms. This was partly due to the rise of educational technology, the ability to tailor them to meet individual student needs, and a change in attitude. We can’t ignore the US government’s role in adopting and using video games in classrooms. The Federal, State, and County governments have provided critical funding for public schools to buy the necessary edtech equipment and trained teachers to use them. The increasing accessibility and affordability of technology have accelerated the adoption further. In recent years, game-based learning has become a popular teaching method for subjects ranging from math and science to history and language arts. In fact, some universities are already trialing VR and AL learning for technical units such as medicine and surgery.
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Exploring Video Games in Education: Pros and Cons
As we’ve already stated, using video games in the classroom remains controversial. While some teachers remain skeptical of incorporating them into their curriculum, many others find them helpful to students. So, whether you’re a teacher looking to level up your students’ learning experience and results or a student interested in exploring new ways to engage with the material, read on to learn more about the potential pros and cons of video games in education.
From distraction to engagement: How video games can enhance learning in education
There are many benefits of video games in education. For one, they can be a highly engaging and motivating tool for learning. According to the Pew Research Center, “97% of teens ages 12-17 play computer, web, portable, or console games.” Moreover, more than 60% play them daily. Therefore, introducing games into the classroom is like putting students in their natural environment where they’re likely to thrive.
Furthermore, video games offer immediate feedback, which can help students learn and retain information more effectively. If you fail one level, you try again until you understand the basic concepts involved. This way, students use their visual, motor, and hearing skills, maximizing their learning capacity.
In addition, educators can tailor video games to meet individual needs, allowing for personalized learning experiences. A struggling student can start with low levels and progress at their own pace while developing various skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Moreover, many video games require players to work together to achieve a common goal, which can help build teamwork and communication skills. Teachers can assign fundamental group roles to students who struggle to collaborate with others, teaching them how to work with teams.
Finally, video games can be a highly effective tool for teaching complex or abstract concepts. They can provide a visual and interactive representation of concepts like physics, chemistry, and math, making them more accessible and easier to understand.
Leveling up education: The cons of using video games in the classroom
Despite the benefits highlighted above, there are a few disadvantages of video games in education. One concern is that they can distract and promote unhealthy screen time. America is already fighting to curb gaming disorders, with many teenagers struggling to control their behaviors. Some educators worry that students will spend too much time playing and not enough time engaging in other activities like physical education if schools expose them to more video games. While this is a valid concern, teachers can still use it to teach learners self-control and discipline.
Another concern is that video games can be expensive and require much technology. Not all schools have the resources to provide students with the necessary equipment to play in the classroom. This is especially more relevant with the ongoing budget cuts. It could disadvantage schools from ‘poor’ districts already struggling to fund education if unchecked.
Finally, there is the concern that video games can be too focused on entertainment and not enough on education, leading to a lack of engagement and interest in academic subjects. While there’s a clear distinction between edtech and other resources, the line can be gray for some students.
It’s Time to Embrace Video Games in Education!
We should not ignore video games role in education. While there are potential drawbacks to using them in the classroom, the benefits are numerous and significant. You can’t pass up an opportunity for an engaging and immersive learning environment while developing essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. You can experience the positive effects of video games in education if you choose games appropriate for your student’s age and learning level.