When we talk about educating through games, most of the minds automatically click onto Quizzes and puzzles. While these have their essence in the learning process, they still don’t account for authentic Game-Based Learning. (The article also features educational games, safe games for school, popular PBS free kids games and Baldi Games along with their impact on children)
What is ‘Game-Based Learning?
Basically, it is learning or educating different subjects through games. The idea of Game-Based Learning is rising in some developed countries. But, it’s origin dates back to a few centuries earlier, for example, Chess. Back in the 19th century, it was not only a fun activity but a mind-opening exercise as well, as Chess stimulated critical thinking and decision making.
Game-Based Learning is no more confined to a part-time fun activity. With the passage of time, the term has modified too. In fact, it has become a dynamic system to design educational games. Experts specially create games to educate on a subject. Moreover, games that target specific hard and soft skills of kids.
Since today, modern technologies surround us from everywhere. The dynamics of gaming have changed too. Digital games have replaced manual ones. So, programmers took advantage of the widespread use of PCs, tablets, and phones. They created digital educational games. While kids mostly play such games at home, they even account for safe games for school.
Do Educational Games help students to learn better?
Yes, they definitely do. Kids can play their favorite video games for hours without getting bored. It is because they are in an environment where they are in charge of things. They even don’t have a fear of failing or not doing a task well. As in, if they fail, they can always restart.
Another reason for the attraction of kids to video games is probably ‘they don’t have to be themselves.’ In a digital world, a player can be an astronaut or a chemist following different instructions. The idea to be someone professional and successful appeals to children and teenagers.
A famous example is the PBS free kids games, where kids choose their favorite kid character. These games fascinated kids because the games gave them an upper hand to be someone their age group yet famous and amazing.
Another incredible thing about educational games is they incite learning. While doing tasks, kids can encounter queries they can’t solve. Observation tells us that students eagerly learn that topic, so they are able to complete their missions. An example is Baldi Games. It is a horror game where players are set to find notebooks in a school setup. But, the challenging part of Baldi Games is that players have to solve math questions to save themselves from the villain Baldi. Children did not only had fun while playing, but their math skills even improved.
Are there video games for school?
PBS free kids games is a whole collection of different games for school. They feature a hundred above games on different subjects. These include math games, science games, letter games, etc. these games are mostly for young kids and toddlers. PBS free kids games are the best choice for pre-school education. Schools can also include PBS free kids games in their curriculum as they offer a safe and friendly playing experience.
Minecraft is another Game-Based Learning platform that targets to build 21st-century skills. It helps educators to measure the progress of students via creative challenges. These challenges are ‘project-based’ and according to curriculums of a specific grade.
Kids also enjoyed Baldi Games. Although this game is a horror video game, it rose to instant popularity among kids. The game has mixed reviews by parents, which does not make it one of the best games for school. But the popularity tells us that light versions of such games should be created.
Is Game-Based Learning confined to schools only?
Not necessarily. Game-based education is the whole system. This system may be optimized for any purpose.
Different training programs use this system for the training of employees. Employees learn better and more conveniently through gamification. Their hand-eye-brain coordination also improves.
Different corporations use game-based testing systems, as well. Game-based assessments are a creative way to judge a person’s skill. Apart from the user, it is convenient for the examiner as well. Assessors can view the progress of the user and their decision-making skill. Also, there is less chance of cheating.
Experts like psychologists and researchers also use games these days. Many studies done are based on a game that is simple to play yet very powerful to make precise conclusions. It is even more convenient for the psychologist to play games with patients to evaluate their mental state. This is especially useful with tough patients who would not answer direct questions.
Should Game-Based Learning replace conventional teaching methods?
We are not sure if gaming has yet modified to a point where it is safe to say that they can replace the conventional teaching methods. Everything has its drawbacks, and so does this system.
One major drawback of this system is the addiction. Since kids are so attracted to video games, there is a high chance of misuse. Like they are so busy playing that they would neglect what the teacher is saying.
Some games like Baldi Games can instigate the wrong message like violence. As in the game, an unstable Villian betas you for the wrong answer. Also, many educators do not believe fear to be a powerful tool for educating.
Also, game-based education can be uncomfortable for a few, like those who learn by reading. And not to forget the educators who are not used to this idea.
However, the rising popularity of these methods does signify that Game-Based Learning has a powerful impact. This impact justifies the fact that schools should include more educational games in the curriculum. So the best conclusion would be to schedule a fixed time for creative learning games in school hours. And while the rest of the hours would be traditional Learning.
