Benefits of Integrating Video Games Into School-Based Learning
Jennifer Adams
Prof. Flanagan
ENC 1101
7/27/10
The Benefits of Integrating Video Games into
School-Based Learning
As a result of the stigmatization video games have received, many people view them as nothing more than entertainment at best and harmful to a child’s development at worst, neither side realizing the hidden assets of video games in relation to learning. For the terms of this argument, video games will be defined as any electronic or computerized game played via a game console, computer or hand-held device. It is unfortunate that the benefits of these games are not largely recognized, especially within the public school system, as the methods used in teaching today’s youth are outdated and are becoming less effective, creating the need for a different methodology. The purpose of this research is to show that although there have been claims of negative repercussions linked to video game play, there is little evidence to support such claims, and that the use of video games can actually help to create the optimum learning environment for children. Integration of game-based teaching into schools could provide a multitude of positive results including an increase in enthusiasm towards learning, greater memory retention and heightened cognitive skills. It is crucial that the school system starts to recognize the numerous benefits which can be obtained from video games; with proper use and approach, electronic gaming is the key to ensuring the children of today will be successful in the modernized world of tomorrow.
From the advent of electronic media, the argument that it is detrimental to a child’s brain and social development has been made, yet there is very little evidence that the media itself is to blame for any of the negative effects associated with such games. Physicist David Deutsch poses the question, “Why do so many adults hate [video games]? What evidence is there that there is anything bad about them?” (54).
Prof. Flanagan
ENC 1101
7/27/10
The Benefits of Integrating Video Games into
School-Based Learning
As a result of the stigmatization video games have received, many people view them as nothing more than entertainment at best and harmful to a child’s development at worst, neither side realizing the hidden assets of video games in relation to learning. For the terms of this argument, video games will be defined as any electronic or computerized game played via a game console, computer or hand-held device. It is unfortunate that the benefits of these games are not largely recognized, especially within the public school system, as the methods used in teaching today’s youth are outdated and are becoming less effective, creating the need for a different methodology. The purpose of this research is to show that although there have been claims of negative repercussions linked to video game play, there is little evidence to support such claims, and that the use of video games can actually help to create the optimum learning environment for children. Integration of game-based teaching into schools could provide a multitude of positive results including an increase in enthusiasm towards learning, greater memory retention and heightened cognitive skills. It is crucial that the school system starts to recognize the numerous benefits which can be obtained from video games; with proper use and approach, electronic gaming is the key to ensuring the children of today will be successful in the modernized world of tomorrow.
From the advent of electronic media, the argument that it is detrimental to a child’s brain and social development has been made, yet there is very little evidence that the media itself is to blame for any of the negative effects associated with such games. Physicist David Deutsch poses the question, “Why do so many adults hate [video games]? What evidence is there that there is anything bad about them?” (54).