Video games are especially well-suited for individualized learning. Every student is different. For most teachers and their schools, having sufficient resources to provide every student with an individualized learning plan is a faraway dream. But video games can make it a reality. Games allow students to learn at their own pace without constant parental oversight. Players’ experience can be tailored based on their performance and preferences. If they solve problems correctly, the game can adjust to present more difficult challenges. If they struggle with a concept, the game can present the same concept in a different context or decrease the difficulty level until the student gets it.
This concept is backed by many professors and researchers. For Instance, Jan Plass, an NYU Professor of digital media and learning sciences writes that “By balancing gameplay enjoyment with an appropriate level of challenge, games have the ability to keep players in their own unique optimally challenging and engaging zone for learning,” As well, Elena Malykhina adds, video games will have the biggest impact on on students who have not responded as well to traditional teaching methods. It turns out that nearly half of the teachers surveyed say it is the low-performing students who generally benefit from the use of games, and more than half believe games have the ability to motivate struggling and special education students.
Interested in learning more on the effects video games can have on you? Visit our benefits section to learn more!
