In a world where we’re all obsessed with gaming, we often hear and see bad coverage in the press about how video games are negatively affecting our brains. However, did you know that gaming can actually be beneficial? So much so that it can help you learn? There are 5 things you need for effective learning; autonomy, motivation, freedom to make mistakes, meaningful context and authenticity.

So, let’s take a look at how and why gaming can provide you with all 5 of these things, and why gaming isn’t so bad after all.

Autonomy

Throughout their years in school children will learn autonomy. What’s autonomy? It’s the ability to take on a task without assistance and see the whole process through from beginning to end alone. Gaming can help with this. Let’s go with an example:

In classrooms that teach languages, learners are expected to apply autonomy as they are encouraged to develop study skills while also listening, writing, speaking and reading a whole new language. At the same time they are also learning tone of voice and mentally preparing to be examined on their knowledge.

In video games, autonomy becomes something you have to do naturally without even thinking about it. Solo players have to find the solution to the task at hand. Whether it’s delving out of the way of a killing blow or fighting the same boss 100 or more times, the player learns to be independent in order to progress further into the game or loot the gear they need. Because of this, players also develop problem solving skills, gain confidence in themselves and also increase their perseverance levels. These skills not only help in the classroom but stretch beyond this into adult years.

AI can actually help further the benefits of effective learning. Using an AI powered LMS also helps leverage similar principles of effective learning, and also provide valuable insights on how technology is advancing the learning experience of children in this day and age.

Motivation

It’s no secret that motivated learners are more successful in the classroom. Those that are engaged are more focused and curious, and have shown to generally do better in exams than those who are distracted while learning. Video games are extremely good at motivating players, which can then be translated into a classroom setting through emotional responses from gameplay that make players more motivated to pursue further.

Minecraft have expertly added learning aspects to the game for those that are learning to speak English. While you can play Minecraft however you like, players must be motivated to solve language puzzles before being able to move forward in the game. It encourages players to continue with their learning through the environment around them and other players they meet. So, while players could ignore these puzzles and continue playing how they want, they must communicate in English to move forward. Motivation to move forward is needed!

Freedom (to make a mistake)

While making a mistake isn’t something you’d generally want to happen often, it’s an essential tool in learning. People learn by making mistakes. Video games are a great place to practise these kinds of reparations. In video games you must defeat some sort of puzzle to move forward in the game. Whether it’s an actual puzzle or a hard hitting boss you need to defeat is irrelevant. If you don’t complete the puzzle at hand, you’ve clearly made a mistake somewhere. 

This helps gamers develop problem solving skills. The motivation to want to progress further in the game forces players to find a solution, whether it be trying a different rotation in spells against a boss or adding a different set of tyres to their car. Not only that, learning from mistakes is also empowering, especially when you’ve been repeatedly making the same mistake. The satisfaction of finally winning that race or downing that boss is incomparable to anything else.

Meaningful context

Without context, any new information we learn will soon slip out of our brains as it has nothing to attach itself to. Imagine making up a new word and using it in context in a sentence, but you’re the only one who knows what it means. Those you speak to will be able to gain some context about the new word you’ve made up by looking at the sentence around it and where you’ve placed the new word. The same goes for any new information we learn – we need context.

Video games are great for adding context because they often provide the player with a really fun storyline. Context is important because it triggers an emotional response, and that’s what makes it memorable. Players can learn to attach certain words to memories or thoughts which in turn, helps them memorise new information much better than before. This is especially true in children. Children rely on episodic memory more than adults, which is why gaming can be a useful tool when it comes to learning.

Authenticity

Authentic interactions in a game plays a huge role in learning because it creates an environment where players feel like the world they’re gaming in is real. Unlike other learning methods, video games offer a hands-on experience that takes players away into lifelike situations. The real-life feeling not only enhances the learning experience but also develops social skills, especially in a multiplayer setting.

Players get to communicate with other players online, building problem solving skills and allowing them to develop team working skills. These skills can be taken into the classroom and beyond into adulthood as players enter new jobs, attend college, and become a functioning member of society.

As you can see, gaming can in fact be a very useful tool when it comes to learning. Not only are games an incredibly immersive and enjoyable experience, players can now learn problem solving skills, how to work in a team, motivation and autonomy without even realizing it! So, the next time someone tells you gaming is bad for the brain, you can send them here and we’ll tell them differently!