Gaming as a Learning Tool: How Video Games Can Enhance Student Study Habits


Games have always been a part of our lives. From childhood, we can immerse ourselves in the world of fictional characters and adventures. We choose the role of superheroes. We conquer new dimensions. And we create and manage our own super kingdoms. Times are changing and modern games have become more than just entertainment. Now they can be a powerful learning tool. That is, they not only entertain but also contribute to the development of students’ essential key skills. The world today is so ever-changing that education must keep up. Thanks to this, video games have become a popular and effective learning tool. 

So, let’s take a look at how the world of gaming and learning are intertwined. Let’s see how video games can improve students’ learning skills. And how it affects their studies at colleges and universities.

Gaming as a Tool for Developing Critical Skills

Video plays help students to develop critical skills. The last ones are essential both for successful learning and for adult life. These include: 

  • problem solving,
  • analytical thinking, 
  • decision-making,
  • and strategic planning.

That is why gaming is no longer seen as mere entertainment, but as a full-fledged learning tool.

Such popular video plays as Minecraft and Kerbal Space Program are actively used in education. They allow users to create, explore, and experiment in a gaming environment.

Despite all the benefits of using video games in studying, which we will discuss later, students may often need additional online help. In particular, in writing essays or research papers. Especially if they are playing their favorite video game. In such cases, professional online services, including EduBirdie, and their professional writers can provide qualified help for students. This way, students will have an opportunity to focus even more on studying the material and playing video plays that enhance their education. While the essay writing service will provide a high-quality academic paper that is meaningful, grammatically correct and structured.

Soft Skills Development and Improvement

Video plays promote communication, cooperation, and problem solving

  • Many video games have online modes. Here players communicate and cooperate in teams. Thus,
  • Students learn to coordinate actions in a team,
  • They develop communication,
  • They learn to interact.

All of the above skills are vital for successful work in a team-based business environment. And thus, for career development. 

  • Video games improve reaction and sense of time. Especially eSport. All this affects the improvement of such an important component of a successful person as proper time management.

Practical Knowledge and Skills

Some video games are aimed at practical training and teaching specific skills. For example, a flight simulator can give students the feeling of flying. Construction games can help learners to understand complex engineering concepts.

Interactive Learning

One of the main advantages of using video games in education is their interactive nature. Students actively learn through their own experience. This makes learning more exciting and engaging. Therefore, students are more interested in the process.

Creativity Development

Gaming often poses challenging tasks for players. Besides, it stimulates solving puzzles of varying complexity. This requires a creative approach. Thus, it develops students’ ability to quickly find the right solutions and apply them in real life.

Virtual Tours and Educational Simulations

Video plays are actively used for virtual tours and training simulations. Game environments can recreate historical events. Even scientific experiments. Thus allowing college students to deepen their knowledge in these areas.

Game Motivation

Game aspects such as competitions, achievements, and prizes motivate students to immerse themselves more in the learning process and achieve better results.

Speech Development

Many video games have detailed plots and rich dialogues. They contribute to the speech and language literacy development. Players have to read, listen and interact with the characters in the game, which can improve their language skills.

Conclusion

As you’ve no doubt seen, video games are no longer just about entertainment and passing the time.  They have become an effective learning tool. After all, they contribute to the development of skills and abilities that students can use in various life areas. They help to develop analytical thinking and strategic planning. As well as creativity, social skills, and motivation. And more. The interactivity, practicality, and game-based aspects of learning make them an excellent part of education. In addition, video plays can be used as tools for virtual tours and training simulations.

However, it is important to strike a balance between play and learning. And then you will definitely achieve optimal and best results.

Nick Sinclair

Having played games since the golden age of the Commodore 64, Nick finally took the plunge and studied Creative Game Design in university. After 3 years of "Study", Nick co-founded a games company where he soon discovered his true calling: writing about games. 11 years later Nick writes about a tower of topics, but gaming is always stacked neatly at the top.

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