E-Learning News
Play Safe These School Holidays: 5 Tips for Healthy Gaming
The popularity of digital and online games is rapidly increasing, and it doesn't look like slowing down! Not only are more people playing games, but they’re also watching other people play through live streaming and e-sport tournaments.
Many parents and teachers are concerned by the fervour surrounding games like Fortnite and the increasing use of games among primary school students. But no matter how you feel about gaming, there's one thing you can be sure of: gaming is here to stay.
So what's good about gaming?
We spoke to a 17-year-old gamer Max (not his real name) about why he plays video games and what he loves about them.
As expected, Max's top reason is entertainment - games are just fun! They allow you to explore different worlds, solve puzzles and work towards a goal. Some people use gaming to relieve stress, as a way to relax and unwind at the end of the day. According to technology and learning researcher Joanne Orlando, many kids play games as a form of escapism, and because they're often creative, complex and allow them to achieve success.
Gaming provides an opportunity for social interaction. Whether it's gaming with friends in the same physical space, or communicating virtually through the game, games provide a shared focus, interest and goal. These interactions can lead to further connections in the real world and help kids meet their social needs. Friendships that start with gaming often extend to other shared interests and hobbies, like merchandise collecting, fan art, films, books, sports or non-digital games. Team-based games may also promote cooperation and communication skills.
Max believes games have helped him develop valuable skills, many of which can be applied in the real world, like problem-solving, reaction time and coordination. And research does suggest that gaming is associated with improvements in cognitive skills such as visual processing, attention, problem-solving and creativity. Specific skills like touch typing, budgeting and financial decision-making can also be developed as a result of playing games.
Games can impart knowledge about the world and historical events. And while not all games have a positive message, some encourage critical thinking about ethics, values and consequences. The increasing popularity of 'serious games' indicates that many parents and educators are now using games to facilitate learning.
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