Did you know that video games are great tools that help gauge children’s cognitive development and facilitate individualized learning? Let’s start gradually and decode what that really means. Video games are the favorite pastimes of children and the effects on their health and education are often perceived as negative and are filled with many misconceptions.
With the prevalence of video games, cell phones, internet and the accessibility of countless electronic devices, many people debate whether these leisurely activities have positive impacts on children’s cognitive and academic performance or whether the conventional book-reading is more beneficial. Thankfully, many new studies have been performed to assess the association between the amount of time spent playing video games and children’s mental health, and cognitive and social skills. The conclusions are finally in. It is found that playing video games may have positive effects on young children and can be a powerful tool in developing cognitive and individualized learning.
Traditionally, it was perceived that the best way to assess students’ progress and abilities were through tests and quizzes, but these tests only revealed a small sliver of a student aptitude. Video games, however, can offer highly detailed statistics in real-time. They collect data every step of the way, which offer context for a child’s development and specific learning habits. This approach enables a deeper understanding of how the students are actually interacting with the material, and allow teachers to give immediate feedback.
Many teachers think games can motivate struggling students. Low-performing students are often disengaged from what is happening in the classroom, and require the most individualized learning plans. Games are an effective vehicle for addressing these learning gaps. Seventy-eight percent of teachers in a national survey said that digital games improved low-performing students’ mastery of curricular content and skills (math, language arts, etc.), and 71 percent said they improved mastery of extra-curricular skills (technology, communication, critical thinking, etc.) Games not only motivate low-performing students to attend class, but also help them pay attention and make stronger efforts to succeed. For all the time and money that are spend on video games, lets put them to good use!
Interested in learning more on the effects video games can have on you? Visit our benefits section to learn more!
