Benefits of Educational Gaming

When people are discussing the topic of games in the classroom they usually think that learning is not happening in the classroom. In the past, games that were used in the classroom were not educational. Today, technology has made it possible to have online educational gaming with in the classroom. This shift of gaming has become popular in many elementary level classrooms.

One of the benefits of having online gaming in the classroom is all students are involved in learning. The games are having students in engaged in an activity that is based off of a topic being discussed in the classroom. When playing a game with the whole class usually one to five students are involved in the game at one time. This leaves the rest of the class out of game and not involved in learning. Online educational gaming changes that. All students can be playing a game and involved in learning at the same time. The second benefit of online gaming is that students can all be playing a game that is at their level. Each student in the classroom learns at a different pace. When students are playing games as a class you can’t really differentiate the instruction for all students. With online gaming you can pick a level for students based on their understanding of the topic. Educational gaming also allows students to connect with kids from other areas of the world. This gives students the opportunity to learn about different cultures all around the world.

I found it interesting at how much schools are now pushing for teachers to incorporate educational gaming into the classroom. When I was in school on a rare occurrence did we get the opportunity to play a game in the classroom. Now schools are suggesting incorporating educational gaming because students pay more attention to the game then the do when the teacher is lecturing them. What really surprises me is how much online gaming can help student focus. When students are playing a game they have to be focused on what they are doing. Online gaming can help with students staying focused in the classroom.

In my classroom, I plan to have a balance between educational gaming and instructional time. I think that educational gaming can be beneficial as long as it is not overused in the classroom. Students also need instructional time to see the practices in the classroom put into play. They also need the opportunity to have discussions with students in the classroom. 

References:

Benefits of Gaming: What Research Shows. (n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2015.

Siegert, M. (n.d.). Pros & Cons of Using Interactive Games As Educational Tools. Retrieved September 11, 2015.

The Benefits Of Educational Games For Kids Online - E Learning Game. (2013, May 28). Retrieved September 11, 2015.