Computer Games

Do computer games stimulate learning within children?

Computer games today may one day be part of many school curriculums, as they have been found to provide educational value. Simulation computer games such as Sim City and RollarCoaster Tycoon where players create societies or build large theme parks are known to develop children's strategic thinking and planning skills. In some studies, parents and teachers had notice a somewhat increase in their child's reading, spelling and mathematical skills. Also in studies of the habits of children between the ages of 7 to 16 years old, showed that children enjoyed playing games in small groups.

Studies show that computer games such as adventure, quest and simulation type games do have a lot of benefits. These games can be complex to play, and create a context in which children can develop important skills. Keep in mind this does not include arcade or shooting gallery type of games.

In order to incorporate computer games into school curriculums, the games would have to include educational material within it. An example would include placing a historical event like some battle within the game, and then allowing the student to be part of the battle simulation, thus allowing them to recall important dates and other pertinent details.

On the opposite side of the fence there are those who say that adding computer games to the school curriculum is merely pandering to students and will lead to an intellectual devolution. Basically they state that kids have grown up playing with Nintendo and can't read because they don't know how to read and they don't cultivate the imagination. They state that kids need to be put through the intellectual rigors of a traditional format for education, and video games are just an easy way to avoid this.

In summary I believe educational computer games definitely have there place within schools. Especially ones that promote logic thinking, creativity and imagination as well as those that put you into real life situations.

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About The Author:

David Sacco is a successful author and publisher of http://www.a1-in-toys.com. A great source of toys for children of all ages, from that early child to teens and hobbyists.