Starrys Obazei Jr./September 30, 2022.

Game-playing is a fundamental aspect of education in a student’s life, recognized and approved by all educationists. Although some have contradicted this, claiming that it only causes an interference and disruption of the learning atmosphere.

Today, however, the major role of educational technology and digital gaming is to simplify and improve learning but it does not directly impact a student’s performance as the technology tools have to be in line with the curriculum for them to be effective.

And we, in Acadatainment, bring you this interesting article which discusses how the implementation and the use of gaming structures in the whole concept of learning and teaching called education, stimulates a students’ motivation and engagements by making them participate in set tasks and collaborate with their peers to achieve set goals and at the same time applying all the values derived from this in real-world situations.

Identified below are the various benefits derivable when students engage in any gaming activity either (virtual or actual games played indoors or outdoors like in fields or arenas).

• IT BUILDS A SOLID RETENTIVE ABILITY IN STUDENTS

Just as reading the right books can develop our minds. Accordingly, the right kind of games aims at the full development of the human brain and personality.

After teaching a new content to the class, incorporating a game to it will consolidate the students’ understanding of the subject. Playing a range of content-specific games can enhance their art of memorizing, all together building a connection with the topic.

In particular, games like question and answer riddles should be highly considered by the tutor or perhaps any other practical game suggestions from the tutor would likely also be suitable as long as it is based on a method of retention that has worked or has been working for them, such activity would immensely benefit the whole class.

• IT FOSTERS A FRIENDLY COLLEGIATE COMPETITION AMONG STUDENTS

Students can become really competitive in the classroom, especially when pitched against one another. Games are often a great way to control the competitiveness between peers. By using games in the classroom, students can compete against one another whilst playing a game, then support one another during other learning activities.

For instance, with “Studying Contest”, This game can help students study lesson content and quickly analyze information, making it beneficial for reviewing test material.

So, basically, the tutor would have to draw two circles on a board or a projector screen and label one “Yes” and the other “No.” Separate students into two teams and call one representative from each team to listen to a statement and decide if it’s true or false. The first student who taps the circle with the correct answer wins the round for their team. Thus, making it an enjoyable experience for all participants.

• THEY BEGIN TO ACT MORE CALCULATED AND MAKE WELL THOUGHT-OUT DECISIONS

The more complex a virtual multiplayer game, the more it helps teach players how to be strategic and analytical to assess risks and rewards. This type of game calls for young players to react quickly to changes in the game’s levels.

Although, it can also be hard to stop some games in the middle of a battle as there are penalties for quitting, one of which is “all progress being erased in the process”. So, young gamers should be able to determine the right time to take a break from playing a difficult level and perhaps wait for a more convenient moment to continue.

This type of gaming method can be quite enlightening to students because the skills or values gained can be transferable to real-world jobs that rely on problem-solving, analytical skills and strategic thinking.

• THE STUDENTS BECOME PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY HEALTHIER, ACTIVE AND FIT

Playing outdoors provides a remarkable opportunity for children to develop socially. Playing together with their peers allows students to learn important social skills like empathy, cooperation and friendship but it also comes with many physical benefits as well, all of which combined together would help them to succeed later in life.

Students who spend time playing outdoors are more likely to move in ways that challenge their muscles, bones and physical endurance. Outdoor environments give kids the space they need to walk, run, play and swing. They can play ‘catch’, they can crawl under bushes, climb trees and ride bikes, play football, among others.

When students have the chance to engage in physical activity, they can strengthen both their bodies and their sense of self-confidence. Extended time outside also allows children who play sports to practise their skills, like kicking, catching and batting – whatever they need to pursue their specific talents or passion in any form of sports.

Outdoor play is directly related to a child’s physical strength, weight and immune functions. Encouraging outdoor play in young children helps develop a healthy attitude about maintaining an energetic adult lifestyle later.