Gaming in the Classroom?

                         Everyone loves to play games- c’mon you know you do! There are so many options, board games, physical games, mental games (not the kind your girlfriend plays), electronic games, and even online games! Did you know that you could use digital gaming in the classroom to benefit your students? And no, I don’t mean you can let your students play Mario Kart. 

                        When I was in school, we would play awful games, like jeopardy. The pressure to get the right answer was tremendous, and I would just panic the whole time, even if my answer were correct. Luckily, technology has advanced passed the point of social anxiety. Many games can be played individually or with a group, on a computer or tablet, in school, in a library, or at home.

                         Interactive games are engaging – they capture the attention of the student. I loved playing Oregon Trail as a kid in my 5^th grade classroom. And although there are much better games out there today, I still can remember some of the things I learned about the pioneer’s struggle on their westward journey (besides deciding whether to ford or caulk a wagon across a river).

                           Studies have shown that gaming actually helped students in 3 areas of development: cognitive, developmental, social. Also, game-based learning actually helps students gain a better understanding of a specific subject matter. This is great for students struggling in an area. Using game based learning to teach from a different perspective can be a new approach to help that student. Game-based learning can cover all subjects, from reading to algebra. Teachers can use game-based learning as part of the curriculum, or let students use them on their own free time. Giving access for students to use games outside a school setting, like at home or in a library, can be helpful for the student’s success as well.

                             Sure, there are the fears: Can games make children more excitable or hyper? I thought games promote violence? Don’t games take away social interaction? In game-based learning, the answer is no. With proper supervision, we can lessen these fears. An appropriate teacher should not be promoting a violent or disturbing game. Grand Theft Auto is not the best example to help teach economics. Furthermore, game-based learning is not a substitute teacher; it is just a tool that can benefit students in their learning process.

For more information about Game-based learning, check this out:

Guide to Digital Gaming and Learning