Computer games can help your child learn math. However, they can also lead to dire consequences. Are computer games useful or harmful? – we will discuss in this article.
The popularity of computer games is growing every day, children and adults spend more and more time doing this activity, which makes us think about how to use gambling for good – first of all, for learning. Certain types of video games can improve brain function when performing a narrow set of tasks.
A number of studies have also shown their effectiveness in mastering a second language, learning mathematics and science. This is potentially good news for pupils and students, and for the millions of people who love to play or can't stop doing it.
People (and not only young people) spend a lot of time playing games, and this is a fact in connection with which the task arises to turn this hobby into something more productive than mere entertainment and venting of negative emotions.
There are pros and cons to video games. Some people say that students may lack time for studies. However, nowadays there are plenty of services that help students asking “write my essay for me”.
Are computer games harmful and how do they affect the human brain?
To answer these questions, a large number of studies have been conducted that have studied the impact of computer games on human cognitive development: memory, attention, thinking and intellectual functions in general. It is worth noting that all games without exception, like any other way of influencing the pleasure centre of the brain, can cause addiction.
If abused, there is a chance that the gamer will get fatigued, have pain in the joints of the fingers and toes, irritability, anxiety and insomnia. But this is in the case of abuse. If you know the measure and play in doses, then you can benefit from such a pastime. Besides, if there is little time you can hire an essay writer cheap.
Maximum engagement
Still, the prospects for introducing video games into the classroom are encouraging, despite the paucity of research on any benefits of this teaching method over existing ones. Even if we assume that “brain trainers” are overrated, we cannot dismiss the fact that games are really highly addictive and involved in the process.
Brain scientists, educators and game developers need to work more closely together to create immersive games that help sharpen cognitive skills and have fun. A child's brain is able to memorize hundreds of Pokémon and their abilities. Imagine if they would start studying the stars in the sky with the same enthusiasm!
Improving mindfulness
In addition, there is an improvement in the ability to monitor the environment. Active computer games perfectly develop peripheral vision. Ordinary people are able to keep track of 3-4 objects. A video gamer can pass this test with 6-7 simultaneously moving objects. In fact, computer game players have many different benefits in terms of mindfulness. Attention and concentration become their strengths, even if before that they could not boast of such.
And these skills come in handy everywhere, whether you are driving a car, whether you are crossing the road, whether you are watching people or animals. It is believed that when dividing attention between two tasks, a person loses the ability to quickly respond to non-standard situations (for example, a car flew out in front of you).
Tests show that video game enthusiasts deal with such situations faster. However, if students still choose writing services to complete assignments faster, they have to research write paper for me reviews.
Improves memory
Many scientists prove that video games improve memory. A recent study at the University of California, Irvine showed that the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for learning and memory, undergoes changes when a person plays 3D games.
Memory improves significantly, and for some even by 12%! While it's not entirely clear why games have such an impact on memory, researchers are wondering how this discovery could be used to treat people who have problems with memory and cognition.
A positive effect on cognitive processes
This means that while playing your favourite game, you develop attention, perseverance and the ability to perceive the environment, all thanks to critical thinking and decision-making while playing.
This finding is significant, as it appears that video games may help treat people with cognitive problems that come with age, such as Alzheimer's disease and mental decline.
What can games really teach us?
In fact, games can also help in learning, and not just be entertaining. For example, Minecraft Education Edition. Designed specifically for use in schools, the project is used in teaching various subjects. In the lessons, students can observe various natural processes, participate in historical events, and conduct experiments.
The game also has a programming function, which greatly expands the player's options. And even if all this happens in a cubic world, the scale of the platform is impressive.
The bottom line
Games really allow you to remember more and be more productive in solving problems. But it's important to enjoy games in moderation and remember to alternate them with other pastimes. After all, why improve your cognitive abilities if you don’t apply them later in life?
