Catherine Perri, professional trainer and expert working for the JUMP Association, lists here a series of benefits related to the Game-Based Learning.
1. Increases A Child’s Memory Capacity
Games often revolve around the utilization of memorization. This not only relates to games where children haveg to remember aspects in order to solve the game, memorize critical sequences, or track narrative elements.
2. Computer & Simulation Fluency
This is very important because we live in a world which is dominated by technology. Playing games via the internet allows children the ability to get used to how a computer works, becoming second nature to them. There are websites, such as Cartoon Network games, which provide young children with fun and exciting games which also teach them to use the mouse and keyboard properly, not to mention browsing, username and passwords, and general internet navigation.
3. Helps with Fast Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving
Most games require children to think quickly. Moreover, they have to use their logic in order to think three steps ahead in order to solve problems and complete levels. This is great because it is something which helps children in later life as they develop their logic, their accuracy and their ability to think on their feet and outside of the box.
Games that require children to use a gamepad or a keyboard and the mouse to operate the games can help develop hand-eye coordination. Not only does this get them more tuned to how a computer works, but it also helps to develop hand-eye coordination because children have to look at the action on the screen whilst using their hands to control what is happening at the same time.
5. Beneficial specifically for Children with Attention Disorders
Research has revealed that online games can actually help children who experience attention disorders. This was concluded by a professor at Nottingham University and is a notion which has been repeated by many in related studies.
6. Skill-Building (e.g. map reading)
Many games contain certain aspects which help children with specific skills. For example, a lot of mystery and adventure games contain maps which children have to read. This obviously helps their map reading skills and practical thinking. Furthermore, there are games, such as football management games, which introduce children to managing finances and general project management.
As you can see, there are a variety of reasons as to why online games can be beneficial for children. Thus, education and gaming certainly aren’t enemies; in fact many would say that they are more like best friends.
Author:
Catherine Perri - Professional trainer and expert, working for the JUMP Association
