Everything you need to know about video games as educational tools

Since their popularization in the 70s and 80s, video games have led to a dizzying and incredibly significant transformation in the leisure habits of a large part of the population, especially children and adolescents. Because of this, for a long time, many families and teachers have perceived them as a negative influence on minors, which could keep them away from studies and socialization. This is, in fact, such a deeply rooted conception that it still persists today in much of the educational world.

However, more and more studies are proving the benefits of video games in the cognitive and social development of children and young people, as long as their use is supervised by an adult and administered in a measured and responsible manner. After all, unlike other forms of entertainment such as television, cinema, or theater, which preceded video games, video games constitute a form of entertainment in which the subject abandons his passive role and adopts an active and participatory attitude towards what he sees. This opens up a world of remarkably interesting possibilities for educators. In this article, we propose to explain what positive effects video games can have on students and how they can be used in such a way that they become a good ally for the teacher.

Benefits of video games for the development of children, adolescents, and young adults

We live immersed in a digital society in which technology evolves rapidly, and there is no doubt that video games are part of this new cultural context. In fact, video games often have the power to spur students on, as they offer exciting challenges and various rewards, just like trying out online casino games, which push students (adults only) to use logic while having fun. All this is to say that video games can increase students’ motivation and engagement in the learning process while having fun on the computer or smartphone!

Let’s see some other benefits depending on the game and the genre to which it belongs:

1. Development of motor and visual motor skills

The speed of response is a fundamental element in many video games; in this sense, these games can help enhance skills such as mental agility or speed in decision-making and strengthen the brain-hand connection.

2. It increases concentration

Who has never played a video game and focused hard just to be able to win a game or give the fastest answer? Adults or teens, anyone who plays video games improves their concentration in one way or another.

3. They favor the proper functioning of higher thinking

The use of video games is also helpful in refining higher thinking skills, such as planning, strategic thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, situation analysis, or the establishment of causal connections. In the case of collaborative video games, on the other hand, they also allow learning the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

4. They are a focus of intrinsically motivated learning

For years, psychologists have studied video games as a learning model linked by default to internal motivation. Self-satisfaction is a fundamental element in video games and is intricately linked to self-esteem. Currently, the main motivational currents are considered by the various techniques used in video games to get players involved – such as curiosity, challenge, etc.

Educational video games

Because of their intrinsic motivational value, video games have great educational potential, which is only now beginning to be explored. Although video games, to be helpful, do not necessarily have to fit in with specific curricular contents but can be used to work on skills such as those mentioned above (mental agility, planning, etc.), it is also possible to use them within the framework of a specific subject.

Many educational games deal with aspects more related to ethics and human values, as in the case of Food Force, an emblematic game launched in 2005 by the UN’s World Food Program (WFP). In it, the player is in charge of food distribution in areas affected by famine, encouraging cooperation, sensitivity to social problems, and, at the same time, strategic thinking.

Using video games in the classroom

There is also the option of using existing video games in the classroom, giving them an educational dimension through the approach we take to them. There are also numerous examples in this field. Some specialists defend, for example, the use of strategy games or games set in other eras to learn history. The possibility of a counterfactual historical reflection or an immersive experience walking through ancient Egypt can perfectly complement learning dates and historical facts.

This is the case, for example, of the popular game Minecraft, which in 2016 released its educational version. This platform offers the teacher, if they want to devote the time, numerous resources to address disciplines as different as biology or literature in an attractive way for students and able to actively involve them in the learning process.

The video game as an educational tool

Video games are a resource with infinite possibilities in teaching, which should be understood. Moreover, there is no doubt that video games are part of the reality of our children, young people, and even many adults and that they will be increasingly present in our lives. In this sense, schools cannot remain on the sidelines of this digitalization process.