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IMPORTANCE OF GAMES BASED IN LEARNING IN MODERN EDUCATION

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IMPORTANCE OF GAMES BASED IN LEARNING IN MODERN EDUCATION

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The learning approach is a way more global and is gaining pace nowadays.  Modern teaching aids are important and most preferred in the technological age. A modern education system uses technology to impart education. The growing usage of digital games and applied sciences into learning environments has affected both the teaching of educators and the learning of students. Game-Based Learning (GBL) can be successfully used to improve both learning and teaching. It simply means including games in your instruction. One of the greatest challenges for educator is with-success teaching giant groups of students, all of whom having totally different personalities, different capabilities and different learning preferences. With high expectations of everything digital, students wish variety of activities, rewards, surprises and humour to stay up their interest in learning. Finding new ways to grab the attention of learners and engaging them in the learning process is one of the main issues nowadays. Learning is not just rote memorization. Students won’t be able to gain any information and skills out of dull learning process but they understand the application of skills and knowledge to solve real-life problems with help of effective learning process. The knowledge and skills acquired through game-based learning are retained longer than information from other learning methods. Effective learning process is one in which you are fully involved in what you are doing. In order to make learning effective, game-based learning requires games that are well designed and have well implemented learning tasks. A well-designed educational game could combine the learning objectives of the educational system with the fun, finished product of a commercial game and custom built games. Games designed specifically for the purpose of educating children can motivate self learning and problem-solving skills to a great extent. Game-Based Learning simply means including knowledge matter of subject into games. All types of games are learning processes, be it casual gaming for fun, or something serious. There are three approaches for embedding games and activities into the learning process. The first approach is based on learners designing and creating their own games according to their requirements; the second focuses on teachers, trainers or developers designing educational games from scratch according to learners’ knowledge level; and the third one is to integrate commercial prefabricated games into the classroom activities for effective learning.  Game-Based Learning plays important role in teaching by making students to collaborate, communicate, interact and work in teams. Strategic games improve the functioning of brain. Gaming creates a dynamic that can inspire learners to develop skills and build an emotional connection to learning and subject matter. Games can be customized to individualize teaching which assist students to become more confident and independent thinkers. One of the key aspects of game-based learning is that each student receives immediate feedback on their performance, with suggestions on how they might improve. Care should be taken while using Game-based learning approach as it can be difficult to align learning objectives with educational model in game dynamics. It must meet the objectives and achieve proper alignment with curriculum.

Game-based learning has shifted focus from learning with lectures and written tasks to learning with games and it has become an indispensable part of modern education. To be a well-integrated member of contemporary society requires more than just the mastery of the basic skills of reading and writing.  It allows learners to discover new methods of working towards achieving goals and objectives in an interactive manner. Let’s hope that the latest trends of game-based learning will contribute for the betterment of students’ learning and to the quality of knowledge and skills they gain. May this type of assessment help to receive better results of the students.

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More Motivation

Playing games in the classroom increases overall motivation. By playing games, students become more motivated to learn, pay attention and participate in set tasks. Games help students to become a part of a team as well as take responsibility for their own learning. They can also be a great classroom management tool, helping to motivate a class.

By playing games, students become more motivated to learn, pay attention and participate in set tasks. Games help students to become a part of a team as well as take responsibility for their own learning. They can also be a great classroom management tool, helping to motivate a class.

They can also be a great classroom management tool, helping to motivate a class.

Controlled Competitiveness

Students can become very competitive in the classroom, especially boys. Games are a great way to control the competitiveness between peers. By using games in the classroom, students can compete against each other whilst

Games are a great way to control the competitiveness between peers. By using games in the classroom, students can compete against each other whilst

By using games in the classroom, students can compete against each other whilst playing a game, then support each other during other learning activities.

Strategy Simulator

Most games require problem-solving strategies and planning. By applying a range of strategies in a game, students are able to use their working memory to solve problems, increasing their mental cognition. Stimulating the brain with strategies in a game can be a great brain workout!

By applying a range of strategies in a game, students are able to use their working memory to solve problems, increasing their mental cognition. Stimulating the brain with strategies in a game can be a great brain workout!

Stimulating the brain with strategies in a game can be a great brain workout!

Peer Positivity

Using games in a lesson, as part of teaching and learning, helps to create positivity around the lesson, motivating students with their participation and creating a positive attitude towards learning.

Games can also create a positive memory and experience of learning for students in the classroom.

Smaller Stress

Having to answer questions on a worksheet, or produce a page of text can be quite daunting and stressful for some students. It can also create a negative perception of a students’ learning environment.

As an alternative to worksheets, games can be used as a less stressful way for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skill and understanding of a topic. Being less stressed will help students to have a more positive perception of their learning environment and give a true indication of their own learning.

Mighty Memory

Playing a range of content specific games can increase memory. As they play a game, students need to remember important details about a topic but also use their working memory to think and act quickly.

Games that were made by the students can be some of the most effective. As students construct a game they are required to use their memory of specific content to create questions and answers suitable for the game, then use their memory of the topic to play the game.

Class Cooperation

Playing games in the classroom increases class cooperation.

Students need to work together as a team when playing as a whole class against the teacher, or in small team groups when playing games with each other.

Through games students learn how to take turns, build respect, listen to others and play fairly. Classroom games can also be used as a team building exercise.

Alert Attention

Playing games requires students to pay great attention to detail. As games can move quickly, when playing a game, a student needs to be alert and attentive.

This attentiveness when playing a game can help students to stay focused on other tasks in the classroom throughout the day.

Friendly Fun

Playing games in the classroom is always great fun!

When playing a game, endorphin’s are produced that stimulate the brain and gives students a feeling of euphoria. This feeling of euphoria creates a great sense of happiness and excitement for students in the classroom, developing a positive learning environment.

New Knowledge

Games are a great tool to use in the classroom to consolidate new knowledge.

After teaching new content to the class, provide students with a game that will consolidate their understanding and make connections with what they already know. Asking students to create their own content specific games can also be a great way to assess students at the end of a unit of work.

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Written by Victoria (Teach Starter)

"Play is our brain's favourite way of learning" - Diane Ackeman
Make your classroom buzz! Create a free Teach Starter account and download hundreds of time-saving resources. Find out more

Research has shown that there are many benefits for playing daily games in the classroom. When planning lessons, teachers should try to incorporate at least one game a day into one of the key learning areas as either a teaching and learning tool, assessment strategy or classroom motivator.

When playing games, students become more engaged in their learning, taught content is reinforced and class positivity is increased.

In this blog we have outlined ten of the most important benefits students gain from playing games in the classroom. We have also selected some of our most popular Numeracy, Literacy, Technology, History and Fitness games for you to download and use in your own classroom.

10 Benefits to Playing Games in the Classroom

More Motivation

Playing games in the classroom increases overall motivation. By playing games, students become more motivated to learn, pay attention and participate in set tasks. Games help students to become a part of a team as well as take responsibility for their own learning. They can also be a great classroom management tool, helping to motivate a class.

By playing games, students become more motivated to learn, pay attention and participate in set tasks. Games help students to become a part of a team as well as take responsibility for their own learning. They can also be a great classroom management tool, helping to motivate a class.

They can also be a great classroom management tool, helping to motivate a class.

Controlled Competitiveness

Students can become very competitive in the classroom, especially boys. Games are a great way to control the competitiveness between peers. By using games in the classroom, students can compete against each other whilst

Games are a great way to control the competitiveness between peers. By using games in the classroom, students can compete against each other whilst

By using games in the classroom, students can compete against each other whilst playing a game, then support each other during other learning activities.

Strategy Simulator

Most games require problem-solving strategies and planning. By applying a range of strategies in a game, students are able to use their working memory to solve problems, increasing their mental cognition. Stimulating the brain with strategies in a game can be a great brain workout!

By applying a range of strategies in a game, students are able to use their working memory to solve problems, increasing their mental cognition. Stimulating the brain with strategies in a game can be a great brain workout!

Stimulating the brain with strategies in a game can be a great brain workout!

Peer Positivity

Using games in a lesson, as part of teaching and learning, helps to create positivity around the lesson, motivating students with their participation and creating a positive attitude towards learning.

Games can also create a positive memory and experience of learning for students in the classroom.

Smaller Stress

Having to answer questions on a worksheet, or produce a page of text can be quite daunting and stressful for some students. It can also create a negative perception of a students' learning environment.

As an alternative to worksheets, games can be used as a less stressful way for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skill and understanding of a topic. Being less stressed will help students to have a more positive perception of their learning environment and give a true indication of their own learning.

Mighty Memory

Playing a range of content specific games can increase memory. As they play a game, students need to remember important details about a topic but also use their working memory to think and act quickly.

Games that were made by the students can be some of the most effective. As students construct a game they are required to use their memory of specific content to create questions and answers suitable for the game, then use their memory of the topic to play the game.

Class Cooperation

Playing games in the classroom increases class cooperation.

Students need to work together as a team when playing as a whole class against the teacher, or in small team groups when playing games with each other.

Through games students learn how to take turns, build respect, listen to others and play fairly. Classroom games can also be used as a team building exercise.

Alert Attention

Playing games requires students to pay great attention to detail. As games can move quickly, when playing a game, a student needs to be alert and attentive.

This attentiveness when playing a game can help students to stay focused on other tasks in the classroom throughout the day.

Friendly Fun

Playing games in the classroom is always great fun!

When playing a game, endorphin's are produced that stimulate the brain and gives students a feeling of euphoria. This feeling of euphoria creates a great sense of happiness and excitement for students in the classroom, developing a positive learning environment.

New Knowledge

Games are a great tool to use in the classroom to consolidate new knowledge.

After teaching new content to the class, provide students with a game that will consolidate their understanding and make connections with what they already know. Asking students to create their own content specific games can also be a great way to assess students at the end of a unit of work.

Numeracy Games

Literacy Games

Technology Games

History Games

Fitness Games
Make your classroom buzz! Create a free Teach Starter account and download hundreds of time-saving resources. Find out more

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10 Benefits to Playing Games in the Classroom | Teach Starter

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Written by Victoria (Teach Starter) "Play is our brain's favourite way of learning" - Diane Ackeman Make your classroom buzz! Create a free Teach Starter account and download hundreds of time-saving resources. Find out more Research has shown that there are many benefits for playing daily games in the classroom.

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1. Students learn through the process of playing the game. By playing a game, students may be able to understand a new concept or idea, take on a different perspective, or experiment with different options or variables. For example, in my beginning Spanish classes, I often played a card game the first week of school. The students were in groups of 4-5. Each person read through the directions to the card game; then, the game was played in complete silence. After the first round, one student from each group (typically the “winner”) moved to a different group. We typically played three or four rounds.

What my students did not initially know is that each group had received a different set of rules. When a student moved to a new group, he often felt confused and was unsure as to why the other people were playing differently (students usually say “they were playing wrong”). We used this as a starting point to discuss the experience of moving to a new country. Having moved from Spain to Venezuela to the United States, I shared my own experiences of learning new cultural rules and, at times, feeling like others were “playing wrong.”

Then, we played the game again, but I allowed all the students to talk. Through discussions, students explained the rules to “newcomers,” and the game ran more smoothly (and students reported feeling much more satisfied). At this point, at least someone said, “I get it. You are trying to show us this is why we need to learn another language. So we can all explain the rules to each other.”

2. Games provide a context for engaging practice. As a world languages teacher, I know students need a lot of practice to internalize important vocabulary and structures. However, for the practice to be meaningful, students must be engaged (and let’s be honest, countless workbook pages or textbook exercises are not always highly engaging!). Through lively games of charades, $25,000 pyramid, or others, my students willingly use the vocabulary and structures, repeatedly gaining much-needed practice.

3. Through games, students can learn a variety of important skills. There are countless skills that students can develop through game playing such as critical thinking skills, creativity, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. For example, with my Spanish students, circumlocution is a very important skill. By playing word guessing games, I have seen my students’ ability to use circumlocution improve dramatically. I love to watch my students’ creativity during game sessions (we have used Play-doh, drawing, acting and many other activities in our games).

One of my first years as a teacher, a student commented that he loved the verb game we were playing (a variation of “Yahtzee”). I told him I was glad he liked it, but that it wasn’t my invention—it was based on a game he might have played at home. He then told me that he had never played games at home and I was the only adult who had ever sat down to play a game with him. At times, I am surprised that students don’t logically think through how to play “Guess Who?” Then, I remind myself that this 14-year-old had never played a game with an adult before he came to my class! I see this as an opportunity to teach a wide range of life skills that don’t necessarily show up in my curriculum’s scope and sequence.

4. While playing games, students develop a variety of connections with the content and can form positive memories of learning. Some of my favorite classroom memories are from game times. I will never forget watching Miguel jump around the classroom to help his peers guess the word “Mono” (monkey). Fortunately, the students won’t forget it either (and they all got “mono” right on their assessments). The fun, silly or interesting moments tend to stand out in students’ memories, and they latch on to the vocabulary/structures we are studying. A positive emotional connection can facilitate learning. Furthermore, many games feature a variety of different stimuli; some students might remember the vocabulary words from acting them out, others remember reading the clues, and other students remember hearing classmates call out answers. Games can provide a variety of sensory experiences for students.

5. Games grab students’ attention and actively engage them. I find that because students really enjoy playing games, it is a good way to focus their attention and actively immerse them in Spanish. This can be especially useful in a wide variety of ways. For example, after a fire drill students sometimes have trouble settling down and returning to class. A game allows students to quickly engage and transition back to the content we were working on. After hours of state-mandated standardized tests, I find my students are often tired of sitting and full of energy; an energetic game with lots of movement may be just what they need.

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1. Hangman (for Kids) - You’ll be surprised how much fun students have guessing letters of words they have learned!

2. Phrasal Verbs Story Game (Advanced)

Now, if you teach ESL, you know that phrasal verbs can be the source of a lot of anxiety for learners. Learning a handful of phrasal verbs at a time, and making them into fun, creative stories (in groups) is a great way to get students having fun. Also, it eases some of the frustration when students work together, with the challenge of using as many phrasal verbs as possible (from a given list) in their story.

3. Speaking Board Game (All Levels)

Create a board game worksheet with questions specifically using the tense you have been practicing (past, future, conditional, etc.) Simply having students roll the dice, land on a square and answer the question seems to liven up the classroom atmosphere. Again, be sure you play the role of a “monitor” and walk around, quietly noting down errors, so you can finish the lesson with a recap of common errors on the board. Depending on your error correction strategy, you may want to correct students as you hear errors made.

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Whether you teach children or adults, teaching ESL grammar and vocabulary in a fun and effective way can be so tough sometimes, can't it? Lesson planning for grammar concepts can definitely be a challenge.

Well, today's post is about how to deal with exactly that! I'm going to share my top 5 ways to use games in the ESL classroom.

If you've met me (over at The Teaching Cove), you know I LOVE using games to spice up learning. I also love the look on adult students' faces when they are expecting to spend the entire class listening to a lecture, rather than speaking (in an English as a second language class!).

Sometimes, they look at me like I'm a tiny bit insane.
Move? Who? Me?! I thought we were having a grammar lesson today.

You bet! We are, but we're not going to be bored out of our minds copying grammar exercises from the textbook. (Note: I do think written grammar exercises provide valuable practice outside of class, but should be used sparingly in class itself).

Actually, one of my professors in the TESL program at McGill University had a three-part recipe for success for the ESL classroom that I find quite clever:
Water (hydration), Laughter, and Movement.
Games do a pretty good job of covering 2 of 3! If you are teaching younger ESL students, it's not a bad idea to have water on hand, either.

So, I primarily use games in ESL teaching in three ways:

First, for grammar concepts:

Use games as review for concepts students have already studied. Don't try to introduce a concept using a game, as this gets frustrating for many students. At the very least, do a 10-minute intro to the grammatical concept before you start playing the game. Be sure to emphasize the purpose of the game. For example: "Yes, we're here to have fun - but be sure you use the conditional tense in your answers".

Second, for vocabulary development:

I often use games to help students learn new words or expressions, or review ones covered in units. This works especially well for review before an exam. Matching games (idioms to definitions for example) are often a hit with adults.

Third, for speaking fluency:

Well, working on speaking fluency is my favourite activity! (No surprise there; it's the topic of my PhD). Use games to get the whole class speaking, not just the outgoing ones. This can be especially tough with shy adults or those who don't feel confident in their English skills.

Have students work in small groups (so you may need many copies of the game cards or game boards). Then, walk around as students play and be there to patiently coach struggling learners along. Be sure that every student has an opportunity to speak.

1. Games are Not Just For Kids

Now, you're going to face a lot of resistance to this one if you're teaching adults who are used to a lot of rote textbook work (like here in Spain, for example).

In fact, I start off the first class of every year giving them fair warning - I love games! This is an interactive class and I need you all to participate. It usually gets a bit of laughter out of the class, and it takes a few minutes for them to realize I'm serious.

2. Tailor Games To Grammatical Concepts and Levels

Before you start using games in class, be sure you understand the concept you want to teach, and your students' level. The "level" part is key. There's nothing worse than using a fun game that's too difficult and having students end up frustrated, rather than laughing and having fun.

In fact, that happened to me the other day while teaching pronouns to 7-year-old twins in a private tutoring session.

So, I quickly simplified the game we were playing so the students only had to use one pronoun at a time (instead of choosing the correct option), and the girls started to have fun. It was a close call though! Remember to be flexible and adapt to your students' level.

3. Teach, Play, Recap

Again, don't forget to teach the concept first! Whether you're using the game for vocabulary or grammar, do a quick review before you start.

Activities after you play the game are as important as the game itself. Be sure to have follow-up activities ready for the next class or early finishers, but also recap before the end of class. For example, if your students are doing a speaking activity in small groups, walk around the class and (quietly) take notes on their speech errors. Then, present a compiled list to the class so they can learn from each other's mistakes.

4. Use Jigsaw Activities To Engage The Whole Class

If you have a large class, "jigsaw activities" are great games to use. These are activities where each small has a "piece" of the solution, such as a short paragraph of text in a story. For example, there may be four parts of the story, and four groups in your class (Groups A, B,C,D). All students in each group become "experts" on their portion. Then, students form new groups, with one member from each original group in the new group (ABCD). Next, they piece together the entire story. For more information on jigsaws, check out this site.

5. Use Word Games to teach Idioms, Puns, and Quotes

Finally, word games are fun ways to teach vocabulary, whether you're teaching absolute beginners or advanced students. A simple matching activity to review vocabulary, or a memory-style card game where the matching answers are expressions and definitions (rather than two identical photos) works well.

1. Hangman (for Kids) - You'll be surprised how much fun students have guessing letters of words they have learned!
2. Phrasal Verbs Story Game (Advanced)
Now, if you teach ESL, you know that phrasal verbs can be the source of a lot of anxiety for learners. Learning a handful of phrasal verbs at a time, and making them into fun, creative stories (in groups) is a great way to get students having fun. Also, it eases some of the frustration when students work together, with the challenge of using as many phrasal verbs as possible (from a given list) in their story.
3. Speaking Board Game (All Levels)
Create a board game worksheet with questions specifically using the tense you have been practicing (past, future, conditional, etc.) Simply having students roll the dice, land on a square and answer the question seems to liven up the classroom atmosphere. Again, be sure you play the role of a "monitor" and walk around, quietly noting down errors, so you can finish the lesson with a recap of common errors on the board. Depending on your error correction strategy, you may want to correct students as you hear errors made.

If you'd like worksheets for any of the above games, be sure to sign up for the Teaching Cove's free printables library to get your copy.

Also, if you'd like even more guidance to become a profitable, organized English teacher and perhaps set up your own part time or full time teaching biz, be sure to check out my new course here: The Profitable Organized English Teacher). It even includes access to an exclusive Facebook group, where I'm happy to help you one on one.
Happy Teaching!
Sapna Sehgal is a blogger, English teacher and linguist who runs The Teaching Cove, an educational blog with free teaching, motivational, and organizational resources. She has been teaching English and ESL classes and tutoring privately for over 15 years. Originally from Canada, Sapna now lives in Barcelona, Spain. Sapna has recently released her first course, The Profitable Organized English Teacher, to help educators set up and run successful part-time or full-time tutoring businesses without feeling overwhelmed.

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Whether you teach children or adults, teaching ESL grammar and vocabulary in a fun and effective way can be so tough sometimes, can't it? Lesson planning for grammar concepts can definitely be a challenge. Well, today's post is about how to deal with exactly that!

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1. Increases A Child’s Memory Capacity
Games often revolve around the utilization of memorization  This not only relates to games whereby children have to remember aspects in order to solve the game, memorize critical sequences, or track narrative elements.

2. Computer & Simulation Fluency

This is something which is very important because we live in a world which is dominated by technology. Playing on games via the internet allows children the license to get used to how a computer works and thus it becomes 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 utilize 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 utilize 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.

4. Develops Hand-Eye Coordination
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 (CNN covered it here), and is a notion which has been repeated by many in related studies.

6. Skill-Building (e.g. map reading)
A lot of games contain certain aspects which help children with specific skills. For example, a lot of mystery and adventure games contain maps which children will have to read. This obviously helps their map reading skills and practical thinking. Moreover, 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 whole host 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.

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by TeachThought Staff

This post has been updated, adding additional information.

There seems to be a perception that online gaming has a detrimental impact on children's development.

Nothing could be further from the truth, and there are countless-and complex-reasons for this, but it also makes sense to the basic benefits of game-based learning. Of course, children should not spend every single second of the day staring at a computer screen.

Nevertheless, education and online gaming certainly aren't enemies either. Playing online games may be something that can enhance a child's learning and development.

How?
1. Increases A Child's Memory Capacity
Games often revolve around the utilization of memorization. This not only relates to games whereby children have to remember aspects 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 dominated by technology. Playing games via the internet allows children the license to get used to how a computer works, and thus it becomes second nature to them.

Of course, while games like Portal 2 promote spacial reasoning skills, not all games promote the learning of content or advanced thinking skills. Young children with fun and exciting games that teach them to utilize the mouse and keyboard properly, not to mention browsing, username and passwords, and general internet navigation.

This post has an affiliate link. You can learn more about our affiliate policy here.
3. Helps With Fast Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving
Most games require children to think quickly. Moreover, they must use logic to think three steps ahead to solve problems and complete levels. This is great because it helps children in later life as they develop their logic, accuracy, and ability to think on their feet and outside of the box.
4. Develops Hand-Eye Coordination
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 while using their hands to control what is happening simultaneously.
5. Beneficial Specifically For Children With Attention Disorders
Online games can help children who experience attention disorders. A professor at Nottingham University concluded this and is a notion that has been repeated by many in related studies.
6. Skill-Building (e.g., map reading)
A lot of games contain certain aspects which help children with specific skills. For example, many mystery and adventure games contain maps children must read. This helps their map reading skills and practical thinking. Moreover, some games, such as football management games, introduce children to managing finances and general project management.

As you can see, there are a whole host of reasons why online games can be beneficial for children. Thus, education and gaming aren't enemies; many would say they are more like best friends.

This not only relates to games whereby children have to remember aspects to solve the game, memorize critical sequences, or track narrative elements.

Minesweeper relies on spatial memory to remember mine locations and reasoning to deduce mine positions, honing memory skills. Trial and error learning in both games involve memorizing past moves, leading to improved memory capacity, recall abilities, and strategic thinking while having an entertaining time.

This is great because it helps children in later life as they develop their logic, accuracy, and ability to think on their feet and outside of the box.

Games like Hearts contribute to problem-solving by presenting players with complex challenges that require strategic thinking and decision-making. Players must analyze the game state, anticipate opponents' moves, and create effective strategies to avoid receiving penalty points.

They need to minimize their points while preventing opponents from doing the same. This involves critical thinking and adapting to changing circumstances, creating a problem-solving and dynamic form of entertainment. Overall, Hearts stimulates various areas of problem-solving, making it a mentally stimulating and rewarding card game.
This is a contributed post from Celina Jones, a freelance blogger associated with Cartoon Network; 6 Basic Benefits Of Game-Based Learning

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There is a perception that online gaming has a detrimental impact on children's development -- nothing could be further from the truth.

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Disadvantages of games in teaching and learning

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Disadvantages of games in teaching and learning

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Physical Strain

It's easy for children to feel addicted to computer and online games, and they will sit in a certain spot for hours on end playing them. This long-term use can result in neck aches, back aches, repetitive strain injuries, eyestrain, headaches, fatigue and mood swings. To avoid these physical symptoms, encourage children to take breaks from the game. Allow them to play the educational game for 30 minutes to an hour, but make sure they stay active as well, by playing outside or on a school sports team.

Mental Effects

Educational games can affect children mentally. For instance, children may want to play until they win or advance in the game. According to studies done at Newman University College in Birmingham, England, this determination can cause low self-esteem or aggressive behavior, especially if children keep losing at the game. Additionally, because these games can become so addicting, overuse can cause social isolation and poor social skills. It’s important for your child to interact with the world around him and spend time with his friends and family.

Wasted Time

Educational games can also be a major time-waster, taking away from time that your child could spend studying, being active or participating in social events. Enforce rules with your child about gaming. Let him know that he needs to finish his homework or studying before playing any games, including educational games. Set time limits for playing educational games, to prevent him from wasting time.

Negative Behaviors

If a game requires children to “shoot” at objects or people, it may encourage violence. Your child may want to copy some of these behaviors with friends or family members. Before giving your child an educational game, investigate its content. If something within the game is objectionable, you can either prevent your child from playing it, or talk about the game beforehand. Let your child know that it’s only fantasy, and that she shouldn’t demonstrate these acts in real life.

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by Chanel AdamsUpdated September 22, 2017

playing video games image by Lisa Turay from Fotolia.com

Educational games played using the Internet, computer or television can help children learn about spelling, math, reading and other subjects. They may also increase students' interest in school. But even though they're helpful, educational games can have disadvantages, affecting students both mentally and physically. It's best to use educational games as a supplement. Reduce time spent playing these games by having children study or play outside.

Physical Strain

It's easy for children to feel addicted to computer and online games, and they will sit in a certain spot for hours on end playing them. This long-term use can result in neck aches, back aches, repetitive strain injuries, eyestrain, headaches, fatigue and mood swings. To avoid these physical symptoms, encourage children to take breaks from the game. Allow them to play the educational game for 30 minutes to an hour, but make sure they stay active as well, by playing outside or on a school sports team.

Mental Effects

Educational games can affect children mentally. For instance, children may want to play until they win or advance in the game. According to studies done at Newman University College in Birmingham, England, this determination can cause low self-esteem or aggressive behavior, especially if children keep losing at the game. Additionally, because these games can become so addicting, overuse can cause social isolation and poor social skills. It's important for your child to interact with the world around him and spend time with his friends and family.

Wasted Time

Educational games can also be a major time-waster, taking away from time that your child could spend studying, being active or participating in social events. Enforce rules with your child about gaming. Let him know that he needs to finish his homework or studying before playing any games, including educational games. Set time limits for playing educational games, to prevent him from wasting time.

Negative Behaviors

If a game requires children to "shoot" at objects or people, it may encourage violence. Your child may want to copy some of these behaviors with friends or family members. Before giving your child an educational game, investigate its content. If something within the game is objectionable, you can either prevent your child from playing it, or talk about the game beforehand. Let your child know that it's only fantasy, and that she shouldn't demonstrate these acts in real life.

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The Disadvantages of Using Games As a Learning Tool

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by Chanel AdamsUpdated September 22, 2017 playing video games image by Lisa Turay from Fotolia.com Educational games played using the Internet, computer or television can help children learn about spelling, math, reading and other subjects. They may also increase students' interest in school.