There is an ongoing debate about the usefulness or harm of computer games for educational purposes. Interestingly, the fact that these programs can cause damage was not proved scientifically. Despite the fact, many people consider computer apps harmful for many reasons. However, computer programs can be successfully used for studying. Here we present several facts that prove the usefulness of computer programs for education.
Computer Games Help Improve Ability to Learn
There is a popular belief that programs hamper your studies at school, but, actually, some of them can enhance the flexibility of the human brain. Surprisingly, the news is that video games help learning. The research of Queen Mary University and University College London revealed that playing real-time strategy apps can help students manage more information sources thus enhancing their cognitive flexibility. The apps similar to Starcraft help boost cognitive flexibility as they require constant thinking and input of players. Thus, fast-paced applications help students become better learners while having fun.
Games Help Improve Attention and Focus
There is no need to explain the importance of attention and focus during the studying process. If students are attentive, they can better absorb information. Playing such apps as Minecraft and Pokemon makes an impact on attention, cognition, and perception. When using these apps, elementary students enhance their attention and focus through learning structure and regularity of environments.
Computer Games Facilitate Decision Making Process
Video apps make an impact on our ability to make decisions. Not only studying is about making decisions, our lives are all about making decisions. According to PhD dissertation writing service, video applications help take in sensory data and then make the decision as peripheral images in fast-paced action video programs frequently pop up and disappear. Hence, people have to make correct decisions fast not to let their personages to be destroyed. This explains why video games are good for you.
Video Games Help Improve Eyesight
Yes, you read it correctly. On the contrary to a common belief that video programs cause harm to your eyes, they do not. Two groups of people were tested if their eyesight worsened as a result of playing computer games too much. One group played fast-paced applications and the other group used slow programs. The first group of people showed better results when their vision was tested after playing the app. Besides, playing action can help improve contrast sensitivity function. This eyesight function helps to discern the shades of gray against a backdrop of a different color which is beneficial when you’re driving at night.
Playing Games Contributes to Memory Improvements
Recent research related to the impact of video programs on human brain showed that playing casual programs, such as “Candy Crush Saga” or “Bejeweled Blitz” can help develop memory. In addition, playing these video programs helps make quicker responses and track objects. The result is better when gamers play first-person shooters. Thus, they can be used as free educational games to improve students’ memory.
Among other apps which help develop memory are “Angry Birds” and “Super Mario.” Several students participated in the experiment where they were asked to play for 30 minutes per day for two weeks. The participants didn’t have any experience in the past. The research revealed several unquestionable benefits of gaming: after two weeks the researchers conducted memory tests and the results showed that the participants’ ability to memorize significantly improved.
Games Can Improve Coordination
Some professions, such as surgery or dentistry, require perfect coordination between eyes and hands. Aiming to test eye-hand coordination, scientists from the University of Texas (Medical Branch) selected participants from college students, school children, and medical residents. Interestingly, college students outperformed other participants because they played video programs for minimum two hours a day, while medical residents didn’t have time for this. Hence, favorite programs of our kids can be considered learning games as they help improve certain types of coordination.
Video Games Help Team Work
Teamwork is very important in group studies. Programs help students socialize and communicate more effectively that make teachers’ tasks easier. On the contrary to another stereotype about antisocial behaviors of gamers, kids learning games help children become more friendly and communicative. Besides, favorite programs of elementary students can be used as education games at schools.
Hence, these programs aren’t necessarily harmful to students. Many of them help improve memory, coordination and decision-making ability.
Author’s bio
Jeff Blaylock is the best-selling author, content marketing and social media speaker, the Chief Content Officer of ProfiNet and a columnist for Entrepreneur online magazine. Jeff is a published author and lecturer at Princeton University. He runs his own blog where he discusses topical issues.
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