Benefits of Game-based learning

How can video games be great learning tools? Well, they are "…effective, interactive experiences that motivate and actively engage us in the learning process." (Trybus) An example would be how they use information. Usually, in a traditional classroom, some of the students’ 3
learning has to do with examples that they cannot apply to their lives, such as geometry. On the other hand, games "… takes place within a meaningful (to the game) environment…learning is not only relevant but applied and practiced within context." (Van Eck p. 4) Games create a virtual world where they must learn to apply new information in order to get to the next level. Also, they can bridge between the worlds created by the computer and real life and can cause us to "…quickly see and understand the connection between the learning experience and our real-life work." (Trybus) With the growing consensus that kids are bored at school, games can change students’ attitudes and effectively engage them in learning.

The second benefit has to do with the principle of play. Play is a "…Primary socialization and learning mechanism common to all human cultures and many animal species. Lions do not learn to hunt through direct instruction but through modeling and play." (Van Eck p. 4) Children love video games because they are engaging and fun. By mixing education and gaming, children would then have a more positive approach to learning. "Harness the power of well-designed games to achieve specific learning goals, and the result is a workforce of highly motivated learners who avidly engage with and practice applying problem-solving skills." (Trybus) Motivation in learning is a key factor that gaming can evoke from students, which can be done by using the principle of play.

There are still so many things that video games can do. They are great research tools and are very diverse. "Videogames can assist children in setting goals, ensuring goal rehearsal, providing feedback, reinforcement, and maintaining records of behavioral change." (Griffiths p. 47) They can be helpful in many different skills: social, language, basic mathematics, basic reading, and even computer skills such as typing. "Videogames also allow participants to experience novelty, curiosity and challenge. This may stimulate learning." (Griffiths p. 48) Video games have also helped students with special needs. "Videogames have been used in comprehensive programs to help develop social skills in children and adolescents who are severely retarded or who have severe developmental problems like autism." (Griffiths p. 47) There are so much more benefits that game-based learning can inspire. The list goes on and on.

Reference

Bourgonjon, J., Valcke, M., Soetaert, R., de Wever, B. Schellens, T. (2010, December 28). Parental acceptance of digital game-based learning. Department of Educational Studies, Ghent University, H. Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Griffiths, M. (2002). The educational benefits of videogames. Education and health, vol. 20, No. 3. 

Van Eck R. (2006, March/April) Digital Game-Based Learning: It’s not just the digital natives who are restless. Educause review, vol. 41, no. 2.

Trybus, J. (2012). Game-based learning: what it is, why it works and where it’s going. New media institute. Received from http://www.newmedia.org/game-based-learning--what-it-is-why-it-works-and-where-its-going.html

Tyson, J. (1998-2012). How video game systems work. Howstuffworks inc. Received from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/video-game2.htm