People have been using games as a learning tool for many years. The main concept behind this method is teaching through the accomplishment of goals, overcoming challenges, repetition but failure as well.
This is how video games are made. The player gets familiar with the game and gains skills until he or she learns how to overcome certain challenges and pass difficult levels in order to accomplish something.
Most games planned and designed well offer enough difficulty to keep the player excited and challenged while offering hints and level of easiness for him or her to win and continue. Game-based learning takes this same theory and helps students learn better! They concentrate on a goal, take specific actions and face the consequences of their actions. This is called ‘active learning’. It’s how students learn how to do things the right way! For instance, flight simulators represent a perfect example of the effectiveness of games in learning. Did you know that pilots use them during training to enhance skills and knowledge? And all this possible only because virtual reality was invented.
Pilots have certain goals and practice with flight simulators until they finally reach them. Oh, and guess what? The method with flight simulators appeared to be more effective than learning through theory!
Why are games important for learning?
Good-designed games will lead the player through carefully-leveled challenges, obstacles, and tasks! It will prepare the players to solve complicated situations, succeed in different challenges and overcome every obstacle that gets in their way! Same goes for games in learning! It does the same thing for kids.
According to different studies, video games boost personal development and improve the mindset of a player! Did you know that 99% of males, 94% of females and 62% of teachers play games? Meaning, the number of people who play video games in the USA alone passes over 180 million active players. But if you take into consideration that they’re learning something every time, it doesn’t sound that bad, right?
Allegedly, the more you play, the more skills and knowledge you will gain! Isn’t that amazing? As you can see, games in learning are not that bad as you though! On the contrary, they keep students focused and concentrated on their task! Studies say that game-based learning boosts the learning achievement of the average student by 12%. If the “game” acts as a stimulation, the learning achievement rises for 25%.
Are VR educational games effective?
Yes! They’re a great way to help people learn better and faster! Game-based learning doesn’t only bring fun to their learning but also has other benefits you probably have never heard of. Let’s check them out! They do also help students to write the Do My Homework with no difficulties.
Games boost motivation and interest
Not only that games make learning fun but they also boost student’s motivation and interest in learning new things! If someone’s interested in a specific game, he or she will participate in the learning process. Game-based learning can also boost student-to-student interactions and cooperation among children.
Games awaken the competitive spirit
However, besides cooperation and social interaction, game-based learning can awaken the competitive spirit of students! This is not a bad thing! On the contrary, it’s a great thing! Games in learning have the power of teaching children that winning and losing aren’t most important in life. Experiencing things and learning ways to accomplish something important is what really matters! You can boost their interest in game-based learning with awards. Whoever participates, wins something, no matter the final outcome!
What are the benefits of educational games?
Just like any other teaching method, game-based learning has both pros and cons.
Pros:
Engagement
According to studies, kids show a higher interest in learning through games if there’s a reward system. Meaning, game-based learning increases their engagement and helps them understand the subject and lecture through practice, unlike mechanical learning that requires them to repeat until they memorize.
Enthusiasm
Gamification boosts student’s enthusiasm towards the subject-matter! There’s no doubt about it! And whoever denies it, is against advanced learning. As it was mentioned before, VR games with a reward system is one of the best if not the best method to boost their enthusiasm and awaken interest in learning! If you’re a teacher who’s not sure if game-based teaching is right for you, try it out! Studies say that games help students become more excited about learning!
Cons:
Game-based VR learning costs money!
The price of VR game-based learning depends on the type of system that you use! Software costs, training costs and equipment costs – they’re part of this teaching method unless you find some online games or come up with your own teaching games! Other disadvantages are the game logistics and student tasks.
