According to a recent study by Oxford University, playing video games for up to an hour a day can be good for children, by making them happier, less hyperactive and more sociable.
But exactly how good are video games as an educational tool. This infographic by onlinecolleges.net, takes a look at just how video games are changing the way that children are educated today, and it seems that among the benefits include help with problem solving skills and negotiation, communication skills and networking, non linear thinking patterns, improved attention, vision and cognition, as well as a development of narrative skills and trans media navigation. Other studies have shown almost a 50% increase in correct answers to standardised tests, where students have learned by playing an educational game.
So it would seem that there is definitely some truth in the theory that video games can be educational.
Of course, there are many concerns about children spending too long in front of their favourite games, with many youngsters addicted to their consoles, but a carefully monitored short duration of playing each day may not be as bad as people initially feared.
The gaming industry is developing at an extremely fast rate and developers are fully aware of how education can be incorporated into their releases. Just some of the other skills that can be enhanced include team work, creativity, financial skills, multi tasking, reflective practice, hand eye coordination, character development, physics and motion, as well as independent learning. Check out the infographic above to find out more about this topic. Whether you are an avid gamer yourself, or a parent of someone who is, it makes very interesting reading.
New games are being developed which actually encourage the child to interact with real objects while using their tablet. Combining elements of real life like this with use of technology is one way to ensure the child is developing a range of skills and is not just hooked to their iPad. One such gaming accessory that is currently being released is Osmo – www.playosmo.com, which enables the child to solve puzzles, draw and play other real games along side other children using their iPad to keep track of scores.
