APPLICATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL GAME TO ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING

Research by the University of Southern Queensland shows playing video games help enhance learning. Students who play for approximately two hours on weekends show improved performance in the classroom. Performance rate, however, decreased for students who spent more than two hours playing video games. 

Playing video games triggers the release of dopamine, the feel-good hormone. Research has shown that the amount of dopamine released when playing video games is the same released when people use stimulant drugs. Dopamine controls various functions in the brain, such as memory, motivation, and pleasure.

How educational games enhance student learning

Recent research shows the application of video games in learning has many benefits. Videos have motivational, emotional, and cognitive effects on learners. Motivation enhances socialization and participation in learning. Teachers need to be encouraged to use video games in teaching. A recent report shows the use of games during classroom lessons encourages positivity around the topic. 

Learners perceive the subject or topic positively. A positive attitude is required to improve participation and keep students motivated. Teachers who use at least one game during lessons record greater success in their students. It provides them with benefits in different ways.

• Learners stay motivated: Games stimulate the production of dopamine in the brain. This chemical plays different roles in the brain, such as feeling good and motivation. Higher levels of motivation help improve attention in the classroom. Learners learn as a team and do their tasks well. When they have more assignments to do or complex essays to write, they get essay writing help from expert writers. 

• Improved memory: Dopamine in the brain helps improve memory. This helps learners to remember the finer details of a lesson many days later. Improved memory is important in enhancing performance.

• Fun in learning and teaching: It is fun playing games in the classroom. The brain releases endorphins which create a feel-good euphoria. Students stay excited and discuss topics in detail.
• Enhanced collaboration: Games encourage socialization and, thus, collaboration. Students who play as a team record better problem-solving abilities. 

To what extent should video games be used in teaching?

Some reports show the use of educational games should have a certain limit. A report shows learners who play a maximum of 2 hours on weekends record a 13% improvement in education. Those who play each weekend consistently record a 21% improvement. Students who spend more than two hours on games record suppressed performance in education. To improve performance, the learners need an assignment help provider to help complete assignments on time. 

The report suggests teachers should train their students to limit the amount of time spent on games. Education Week suggests that educational games should be played with the lesson in mind to encourage thoughts instead of rewards. Strategies for effective educational game use should include the following:

• Add instructional support to games: The purpose of the game is not for fun or to learn to play tricks. The purpose is to help them learn the concept of the topic. 
• Let the game objectives be aligned with course objectives: Some types of games do not align with the subject/topic at hand. Some of them do not align with the curriculum. Choose only games that align with both.
• Add debriefing and feedback: Help learners understand the purpose of the game and encourage them to give feedback. 

What types of video games are most effective in learning?

Educational video games should reinforce learning skills. Their purpose should be to help students improve writing, reading, collaboration, and other important educational skills. They can help teach lessons such as math, history, coding, languages, and science. The best types of games to use in teaching are as follows:

• Experimental games: Games that help students work effectively on experiments.
• Survival skills games: Games that teach learners how to survive in a time of lack or plenty.
• Puzzle games: Helps improve language skills
• Card games: Help improve motor skills, quick thinking, and healthy competition. 
• Strategy games: Helps improve problem-solving skills, cognition, and memory.

Should the use of video games be included in the curriculum?

Video games have recently become important tools in the learning process. They supplement traditional teaching by adding fun and creativity. Educationists and various stakeholders have different opinions on whether to include video games in the school curriculum. 

They agree that video games may hurt learners and by, causing addiction and attention problems. However, the benefits outweigh the setbacks in many ways. The inclusion of video games in the school curriculum will bring more benefits than harm. What is most important is for the teacher to know their limitations and how to use them.

Conclusion

Games are a popular medium in modern times. When used properly, they can help improve learning and teaching in schools. Games trigger the brain to release dopamine, the feel-good chemical which has several benefits. It helps improve memory, concentration, and motivation, which are necessary for learning. Teachers should choose games with themes that align with the curriculum. Games such as puzzles, experimental, survival skills, and strategy games are important in learning.