They say that computer games, as well as gambling games such as online casinos, which can be found at: www.sharpgambler.co.uk, teach only bad things – shooting, killing, stealing cars, or spending your own money, that computer games cause aggression, deviant behavior, and personality degradation. But is it all that bad? Maybe games have a bright side and can teach us good things? The news about games is often filled with negative things: the teenager who caused a massacre at school was playing Doom and Painkiller, the gunman at the Dark Knight premiere was playing violent World of Warcraft. Video games are often blamed for such incidents. Understandably, a player can develop an addiction, leading to terrible consequences. But you can not blame everything on video games.
It may be caused by family problems, mental health issues, or sadly, by the real world itself. Turn on the TV: the news is worse than ever. A lesser problem – the child is too fond of games and forgets about the study. Here the games are already scolded by parents and teachers. A young gamer takes away the gadget, limiting access to the computer, puts ultimatums. In general, too, not very nice.
What can really teach the game
The games can also help you to learn, and not only be entertaining. For example, Minecraft Education Edition. Designed specifically for use at school, the project is used in teaching various subjects. With the help of the game, students learn, for example, chemistry, history, literature, and geography. In lessons, students can observe various natural processes, participate in historical events, and conduct experiments. The game also has a programming function, which greatly expands the player’s capabilities. And let it all happen in a cubic world, the scale of the platform is impressive. On the project site, you can download ready-made worlds and find a lesson plan. Of course, to apply the game to teach you to need an equipped classroom and teacher training.
But such training will bring a new experience for both students and teachers. After all, it is not only computer science but also many other school subjects. The solution is ingenious in its simplicity – to take what children love and give through this knowledge. There are other specially designed games for schools. For example, GTA will be used to teach traffic rules, Subnautica will be used to explore the underwater world. Elite is for exploring the universe. In the process of playing, we can get not only enjoyable but also useful. This can be the development of a skill or expanding the horizons. Someone learned English through games, someone mastered the skills of correct and fast typing on the computer.
In sports training, coaches use advanced tools, particularly for games that require being in a specific place, like a golf course. They use golf launch monitors to hone each student’s swings and learn different aspects of the game. Whether there is an instructor or not, these simulators are excellent teachers on their own, and they provide valuable insights needed to level up someone’s game.
Laboratory research
A new study suggests that real-time strategy games can significantly develop the ability to make quick decisions and actions, as well as to learn from past mistakes. This once again confirms the possibility of human cognitive development through video games. Many players have noted that it is no problem for them to immerse themselves just as much in their work as they do in the game. This undoubtedly increases the quality and speed of their work. It’s worth noting that games are becoming increasingly interactive. Virtual reality helmets give a new level of immersion for the players, for the developers, it is new tools and opportunities, which can be used also for educational purposes. Video games have many features, they have a positive effect on brain plasticity, learning ability, attention, vision, and many other things. Such effects need to be studied more deeply to create games that will contribute to education in the future.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin studying the brain of game enthusiasts compare video games to food-no one ever asks the question, “What effect does food have on the body?” It makes sense that it all depends on the food itself, its composition, and its quality. It’s the same with video games. It is worth noting that when they talk about the therapeutic properties of computer games, they mean games that aim to teach and train the brain to work more efficiently. Video games can be used to improve brain function. Games can increase the eye’s ability to distinguish between contrast and fine detail. Video games increase attention and concentration.
Conclusion
Of course, we can’t say that all games are equally beneficial. Different video games have different effects on the human brain, and to know for sure, how this or that game changes the perception of reality, you need to do a separate scientific laboratory study on each of them. One thing is certain: video games are a powerful tool, and you have to learn how to use them correctly. They can not only teach some useful skills but also have a beneficial effect on human brain activity.