Can games improve academic performance?

Very often there are reports in the media that children under the influence of computer games commit illegal acts. Questions about the dangers of games are very often discussed and condemned by public opinion. Under the influence of this, some parents strictly forbid their children from playing games, thereby causing even more interest. However, every parent is thinking of how to achieve academic success. Maybe the answer lies in video games? Let’s explore it! 

The positive influence of a computer on a person was studied using games as an example. It was found out that games develop speed of reaction, fine motor skills of hands, visual perception of objects, memory and attention, logical thinking, hand-eye coordination.

And also computer plays are taught to classify and generalize, to think analytically in a non-standard situation, to achieve one’s goal, to improve intellectual skills.

You may agree that it is much easier to attract a student to the play than to force them to read or solve math problems.

plays are usually beautifully drawn, funny to play and carry a lot of interesting, smart, funny and are completely aimed at ensuring that kids develop and improve their knowledge. Modern plays are as attractive as possible thanks to convenient and intuitive controls and voice acting performed by professional actors. However, essay papers that everyone is asked to write, sometimes it will be very profitable to play and ask a professional to write my research paper for me cheap.

You can talk for a very long time about the benefits and harms of a computer and computer plays. However, a certain type of plays is more harmful to a person, and the other, on the contrary, is more useful, and in the end they balance each other. The harm or benefit of the computer and computer plays is one of those questions that cannot be answered unambiguously.

However, in this article we will talk about the positive aspects that plays bring in improving academic performance.

The effect of video plays on student achievement

The experience that is gained in computer plays can be transferred to real life. And it will work no worse than if you get advice from a psychologist. All this matters only if a person understands why and for what purpose he plays a computer play. Here are some useful skills that you can use in your studies:

1. Educational and logical plays are useful for the mental development of the child, they make you think and train your memory;
2. Games develop the reaction, attention and motor skills of the teenager’s. 
3. Decision making skill – This is one of the important processes in our life, which helps us quickly choose the necessary path for further action. The researchers looked to see if plays that require attention to detail and quick responses could improve decision making. According to the results of observations, it turned out that shooters (shooters), in which you need to monitor unexpectedly emerging objects and perform certain actions with them, develop “low-level perception” and a reaction to small targets;
4. Researchers note that after action plays, people read faster and better absorb what they read;
5. People who often play are distinguished by great perseverance and perseverance (they cope with complex tasks more successfully, do not give up until they reach the goal);
6. Simulators give an idea about different areas of human activity, can help in choosing hobbies, professions, communication tactics (for example, a social simulator (Sims);
7. Through it, children learn to work with technology, begin to understand various gadgets (there is no way without it now);
8. They strengthen social bonds and teach teamwork – It is generally accepted that people who are fond of computer games most often do not like to be in society and are rather unsociable. But actually it is not. The average player is quite an open and friendly person who quickly finds a common language with people. The reason is – a player needs to create his own team and find allies in order to achieve a common goal.
   

All these positive aspects will work only with a conscious game. Remember that the child must have a specific goal, then the above qualities will develop.

Use of games in education

Indeed, methodologists recognize that the game component in learning is quite important. Children are already tuned in to a certain game, after passing which they will receive a bonus – new knowledge and experience. 

Training is a multi-level system (different levels of complexity), successfully passing which the student receives the necessary material. When the teacher uses elements of a computer game, the result is achieved somewhat faster. Computer games themselves can develop horizons, imagination and quick memorization of information.

The opinions of many teachers and scientists are very different about the use of video games in the learning process. But it should not be denied that the inclusion of video games in the learning process makes it much more interesting and entertaining, creating a working mood in children and improves the susceptibility of educational material.

Consider how specific types of games are involved in the development of the child:

1. Adventure –  They are most often designed as a cartoon, but at the same time they have interactive properties. In order to solve problems, the child needs good logic and excellent ingenuity.
2. Strategic – These plays contribute to the development of perseverance, the ability to plan their actions, and train thinking. Not suitable for younger children due to the long duration.
3. Arcade – Train the eye, attention and reaction speed. Not suitable for hyperactive children.
4. Role playing –  Just like arcade,  they train the eye, attention and reaction speed.
5. Simulators – They allow you to test yourself in new situations, developing all the same qualities as above.
6. Brain teaser – Games of this type are divided into separate tasks, which allows you to streamline the child’s time at the computer. Develops memory, thinking and attention.

The bottom line

As you can see, a student should not be completely banned from playing on a computer. Otherwise, he will not receive many useful skills that will help him in his studies. However, it is recommended to limit the time that can be spent behind the monitor, as well as remind the child of the importance of 10-15 minute breaks (with a change of activity; for example, you can do exercises, run). 

You can also set a rule in the family: spend 1-2 days a week without gadgets and go to the museum, cinema, and nature together. Be sure to come up with “healthy” alternatives to tablet/phone/computer games.