Many college students play video games to relax and pass the time after a stressful day. Some gamers on platforms like Twitch stream their gameplay and make money from it. They provide an opportunity to interact with different people around the world. The interaction between the player and the characters creates a sense of being in charge.
Despite its benefits, many people do not know that it improves student productivity and grades. Gaming teaches teamwork, improves hand-eye coordination, and reduces stress. Apart from this, you learn patience, multitasking, and more. Our article will delve into the importance of computer games in education.
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Can Games Improve Students’ Productivity and Academic Performance?
Yes, playing video games in college improves an undergraduate’s performance in class. But what most people don’t know is that they have a hard time balancing it with academics. As a result, when grades start slipping, everyone holds their hobby as the culprit.
Neglecting homework to play video games is a bad idea. Since it requires less effort and provides instant gratification, players become distracted. Hence, students should achieve balance. One way to do this is to hire a professional essay writing service papersowl.com, and request them to complete any of your assignments on schedule. Reputable academic writers draft high-quality essays across various academic disciplines. Furthermore, the professionals offer guarantees to help college students reduce their coursework burden. With this, you can play games without worrying about your grades slipping.
Also, games can benefit mental health in various ways. It activates almost every part of the brain to achieve higher-level thinking. Complex games require strategy and analysis. As a result, it engages the brain part that is responsible for critical thinking. The sense of achievement brings satisfaction. Aside from that, it provides a distraction from pain or psychological trauma. Students battling depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and PTSD profit from it.
Pros and Cons of Video Gaming for Students
The computer game effect is like a coin with two sides. On one side, it produces capable young adults. In contrast, addiction, and uncontrolled usage stunt academic progress. Let us explore the positive effects of video games in education below:
Enhances Cognitive Skills
Gameplays are interactive events that require deep focus and concentration levels. Competitions stimulate the brain. Players follow several instructions and respond to problems within a strict time frame. These activities enhance visual processes, quick thinking and response, and efficient neural processing. It boosts spatial awareness or reasoning and extends to daily tasks like driving.
Boosts Multitasking and Creativity
Most video games require undergraduates to perform many tasks at once. Playing develops their ability to focus on multiple tasks. Most importantly, it allows self-expression. Customization and similar features encourage players to approach projects with innovation. It ultimately extends to academics.
Improves Memory and Coordination
Students playing games have to remember sequences to progress to the next level. More often than not, players fail levels, resume checkpoints, and repeat tasks. The procedure develops memory as undergraduates learn to remember and recall details. Controller-based competitions require players to move their hands around to complete missions. This action improves hand-eye coordination. It further helps them develop faster reaction times compared to non-players.
Improves Social and Digital Literacy Skills
Online competitions allow players to interact with others in different countries. Gamers collaborate through text or voice chat to plan or solve problems. It makes it easier to interact, coordinate, and manage group projects. Video gaming involves interacting with technology. This is helpful in today’s modern education, which relies on digital resources. Students become more proficient with digital tools. Other benefits of gaming in education include:
- Stress relief.
- Provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Offers studying opportunities.
- Motivation and engagement.
- Improves concentration.
- Increase self-confidence.
Gaming can have several benefits. Yet, it is not without its drawbacks. The most popular negative effects of video games on education are:
Addiction and Time Management Issues
Excessive gaming leads undergraduates to neglect other essential activities. Examples include chores, sleep, and schoolwork. Likewise, poor time management decreases academic performance. The engaging nature distracts players from their responsibilities. As a result, it makes it easy to procrastinate or game while you study.
Reduced Social Interactions
Spending too much time gaming in college reduces face-to-face interactions. Over time, a student’s social skills or relationships begin to suffer. Plus, a sedentary lifestyle involves sitting for a prolonged period without physical activity. It leads to obesity, repetitive strain injuries, headaches, and other health issues.
Exposure to Inappropriate Contents
Various titles expose children and adolescents to mindless violence. Competitions desensitize kids to violence, and there is no way to control what kids play. Furthermore, there are concerns over exposure to adult content.
Uncontrolled gaming leads to various physical and health issues that affect academic performance. Hence, the secret is to balance it with academics.
Follow these tips for the best result:
- Set boundaries, including rules and guidelines for gaming time.
- Focus on academic responsibilities.
- Create a schedule and stick to it.
- Use it as a reward for completing academic tasks.
- Prioritize physical activities.
- Watch the contents you play.
- Play only educational events.
Top 5 Video Games That Are Beneficial for College Students
Not all games are beneficial for college students. The best selections complement studying by teaching specific skills. The top five video pastimes for young people are:
- Minecraft: Architectural and engineering projects teach creativity, resource management, and collaboration. The mods allow university learners to alter mechanics and provide a way to learn history.
- Animal Crossing: The single-player title promotes time management, financial literacy, and creativity expression. Players further use it to unwind and reduce stress.
- Overcooked 2: The cooperative cooking simulation brings players together in a kitchen. They learn teamwork, communication, and time management. Players adapt, solve problems, and manage stress with perseverance.
- Stardew Valley: The farming simulation follows a day-night cycle. Players can learn to manage time, plan, and manage resources to achieve goals. Additionally, they design farm homes, an act that promotes self-expression.
- The Sims Series: Sims teaches how to behave in various life situations, decision-making, and develop social competencies. Players customize environments, manage virtual finances, and nurture writing skills.
Video Games Effects on Education
College students fail in college for many reasons. Some popular ones include insufficient motivation, laziness, and homesickness. Gaming is an enjoyable activity that improves problem-solving skills and logic. It further increases interest in STEM subjects and enhances creativity. Students playing games make accurate decisions, multitask, and have greater brain efficiency. But despite its rewards, uncontrolled gaming can have serious consequences.
Due to a lack of focus, addiction, and health abandonment, undergraduates start slipping in school. As a result, moderation and guidance are crucial to enjoying the advantages alone. Use our tips above to balance gaming’s effects on education and health.