Dangers of Gaming in the Classroom

Incorporating educational games in the classroom is becoming more and more common. Including games in the classroom makes it easier for teachers to design instruction. They can just select a game and let the students play the game and hope they learn something from playing the game. Teachers have to be careful as to what games they choose to use in the classroom. The games that are used in the classroom need to be beneficial for student learning and not take away from learning.

Game inclusion in the classroom needs to be carefully structured.  If the game allows the teacher to create restrictions on what students are allowed to do, get rid of any distracting components. Let students explore the game and problem solve to figure out the game. If you can create restrictions this will help students stay on task when playing the game. If creating restrictions is not option make sure you discuss with students what they are supposed to be doing with this specific game.

The game should also contain accurate information about the content that is being discussed in class. The game should directly align with some type of standard. If the game does not contain accurate information or is not beneficial to student learning it should not be introduced into the classroom. Let’s say you are discussing important concepts in history and find a game that students could play that relates to the content. The game contains mostly accurate information along with some false information. You could have students write a paper comparing contrasting the history event to the game.

Finally, gaming can take away from important discussions that should be occurring the classroom. Classroom discussions are so important for students to be involved in. They help students develop the skills to effectively communicate with others. A discussion also helps students understand the topics being discussed in the classroom. When students hear other people’s thoughts on the topic it helps them get a better understanding of the topic.

Overall, teachers need to be careful when selecting educational gaming into the classroom. Even though the game sounds like a good idea, it needs to be beneficial for the students. If learning is not occurring while students are interacting with the game it should not be introduced in the classroom.

References 

Technology in the Classroom

Gamification