Top 5 Benefits Of Gaming Within The Education Industry
Modern technology has had a dramatic impact on the education sector and greatly improved learning opportunities. In recent years, educators have been incorporating technology such as the internet into their lessons to create a more engaging and connected learning environment. “Gamification” is the method of using video games, or game-related elements in an educational setting to motivate learners and maximise enjoyment. With this in mind, here are the top five benefits of gaming with the education industry
Modern technology has had a dramatic impact on the education sector and greatly improved learning opportunities. In recent years, educators have been incorporating technology such as the internet into their lessons to create a more engaging and connected learning environment. “Gamification” is the method of using video games, or game-related elements in an educational setting to motivate learners and maximise enjoyment.
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It has been shown to have a significant impact on learning ability and overall student engagement. One study found that student performance increased by 22% when gaming was introduced into lessons. With this in mind, here are the top five benefits of gaming with the education industry:
1. Creates a more engaging learning environment
One of the main benefits of introducing gaming into the classroom is that it creates a more engaging learning environment that will appeal to the learners’ interests. Research shows that interactive learning environments, such as those using gaming elements, are far more effective than traditional learning methods. In fact, one study found that student engagement increases by 60% or more in interactive learning environments. Games can be used to connect educators with learners and make teaching sessions more fun and exciting. This should boost student engagement levels and improve overall student performance in the long run.
2. Boosts productivity in the classroom
When students are engaged in the classroom, they will stay focused on their learning tasks for longer and produce better results. They will also be able to retain more information and learn new concepts more effectively. Offering rewards can also be an effective way to boost productivity, as it provides students with incentives and keeps them motivated. Games provide students with instant gratification and encourage them to improve their learning performance. Whereas, deferred gratification from end of term tests, etc., may not be as effective at motivating learning. Overall, incorporating gaming in the classroom should stimulate learners and boost their overall productivity, thus allowing them to get the most out of their learning sessions. This should help students achieve their long-term learning objects and improve their overall academic performance.
3. Prepares students for the future job market
As mentioned, technology has evolved massively over the years and had a significant impact on many industries including engineering, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. According to experts at Hunter Selection – “It’s a great time for young people to study technology-related subjects and immerse themselves in an industry where they will have unprecedented opportunity to grow and develop a career in the years to come.”
With this in mind, another key benefit of gaming is that it prepares younger generations for the future job market, which is predicted to be more tech-orientated. Developing technology skills could greatly improve young learning future job prospects and provide them with a wider selection of career opportunities in later life.
4. Allows students to develop technical skills
Research shows that playing video games can increase reaction times, improve hand-eye coordination, and boost players’ self-esteem. Education Drive adds; “games have been shown to boost multitasking and learning ability by stimulating the brain’s frontal lobe cognitive functioning.” Computer games can teach students a wide variety of technical skills that will boost their career prospects and help them achieve success in the future. This is especially true given the fact that many industries and job sectors are becoming increasingly tech-focused.
Along with the skills developed when playing games, many specialist schools allow students the opportunity to build and develop a Gaming PC. This hands on experience of the essentials of a gaming pc and what creating a high performance and custom made PC involves can prove valuable in later life. This skill set that they can develop within school can be incorporated into their adult lives whether as a career or as a problem solving technique to be used when facing a number of challenges.
5. Teaches valuable non-cognitive skills
Along with technical skills, gaming can also teach students a variety of non-cognitive or ‘soft’ skills that will help them in later life. This includes skills such as patience, perseverance, and motivation. Games also encourage students to become more social and collaborate with their peers, thus improving their communication and teamwork skills. This addition of gaming within the curriculum has proved beneficial at a specialist school in Oxford, where pupils have been seen to flourish within their studies while expanding their communication skills with fellow students and teachers. All through the simple addition of gaming on a console of their choice. Incorporating fun games into the classroom can also be an excellent tool to encourage shy students to get more involved in learning activities and connect with their peers. These skills are highly-valued across most industries and are often not taught as effectively in traditional classroom settings.
Final thoughts
Games can be an extremely valuable tool used by educators to create a more engaging learning environment. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to incorporate gaming into your lessons. This includes awarding students with badges instead of grades, using checkpoints to track student progression, and creating competitions in the classroom. All educators should consider using gaming as a way to connect with their learning, create a more exciting learning environment, and boost student performance.