I read an article from one of the top 100 education
blogs. It can be found here. The article discusses six different ways
games are beneficial to students and their learning.
The first benefit discussed was that it increases a child’s
memory capacity. I would tend to agree,
as there are many games that favor players with better memories than their
opponents. The idea is that this
translates back into the classroom and learning.
Second, the author discusses how using computers to play
games at a young age familiarizes students with how to use a computer. Students are picking up basic computer usage
skills that are utilized when they are doing other tasks using computers.
Third, a good amount of games ask their players to think
quickly and problem solve. Both are
tremendously important attributes in life and in the classroom. They especially benefit my subject areas –
math and science.
Fourth, playing games on the computer or other consoles help
improve a child’s hand-eye coordination.
This can relate back into the classroom in a variety of ways, such as
penmanship.
The second to last benefit of playing games is better
sustained attention to tasks. The
article states research done by a professor at Nottingham University found that
video games actually help people with attention disorders.
Finally, the article discusses how specific games teach
specific skills. For example, how to
read a map, games that require lots of reading, financial management, and
others.
While I do believe there are drawbacks to video games and
their overuse, there are also some positives that come with them. It is important to find that balance.
Hi, Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your response to your article selection for this week. It has definitely been at the top of many conversations throughout the course of this program so far and I think you made some really valid points. Although I do feel that kids are in front of the television, computer, iPad, etc. a little too much, there's no doubt that all of the above pose great benefits to children in the classroom if used and implemented in properly and with moderation. I specifically liked the points about the increase in problem solving skills as well as strengthening a student's memory capacity. Thanks for the great review!
-Danielle
Dan,
ReplyDeleteYour review was something I have been wanting to read more about, and you did a nice job of reviewing the main points of the article. I think this article has many great points as to what positives can come game-based learning, and I think that if children are limited to exposure and parents take into context what types of games their child is playing, that the benefits can outweigh the negatives. One of the points that I think is strongly supported is helping students to think critically and quickly. I have students in my classroom that I know are avid video gamers and I can see where playing would help them with their problem solving skills in the classroom. Thank you for sharing this article, lots of interesting things to think about as an educator!
Amanda
This is an interesting topic and Twitter is full of information on game based learning theory. Nice job on your summary of the article. You are right, it seems a balance to everything is the key. You may want to connect with @gtwitsims, a 4th grade teacher, who is interested in the topic too. Nice job!
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