These days children like to spend lots of time on their gadgets and the tendency is still the same for college students. Mostly, they are hooked on games. For example, due to Pew Internet Research, 70 percent of students play video games quite often. And lots of them say that it reflects on their academic success. Furthermore, about 10 percent admit that games are a way to avoid studying. They prefer racing and non-stop fiction, role-playing and strategy games. Nevertheless, they do not even pay attention to how much time they waste playing games because it is very arresting and fascinating. And that’s why usually students forget about their studies when they play games. Everybody knows that study is necessary so that games should not take such a big part of students’ time. When I was a student, I was also kind of addicted to video games, and sometimes I needed someone to write my essay for me not to lag behind in my group. Visit Gaming Verdict to have a deeper understanding on video game addiction.
What Is a Game?
Nowadays, a game is a pleasant way to spend free time. Of course, everyone can find a good one for himself or herself, such as entertaining and helpful, educational and action games, etc. Actually, they help us not to feel bored too much on a bus or queue, for example. Teens dream of a PlayStation as a gift, as usual, to play video-games at home. They actually find it absorbing and consider it the best present they could ever get (it is quite expensive though)! At first, it is only a way to spend spare time, but later it becomes an obsession.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Video Games for Students
Nowadays, every student wants to have a break after school or university. The vast majority of teens have a few games to play in their free time. However, many games reduce productivity of the brain or even have dependence-producing potential. There are a lot of students who cannot imagine their life without games! And that’s a problem because they could study more instead of playing throughout the day.
On the other side, there are many educational and helpful games which can give students a lot of new information. Of course, people like to win and to be the best in something and games give them this opportunity. It is such a good idea to mix games with studies to make students be the best at both. Some people have figured out how to combine games and education. Many games have been created to help children improve their knowledge and learn more. Moreover, these games are already used in schools in the USA, Europe, and Australia. As follows, the 2011 research by Jennifer Yu showed that that games can succor students improve in one area or another, so some professors actively advise to play!
Good Games for Students
· Old Good Minecraft
Everyone knows the game ‘Minecraft’ loved by younger students. Now, it has a separate version ‘MinecraftEdu,’ which helps children to explore the world playing the game. On Geography, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology lessons, this game makes the process of education much easier. Minecraft is really good for students as it’s all about creativity. Students can play on Minecraft Skyblock Servers for better gaming. During the play, children get interested in studying and develop their skills at the same time. The game tools allow you to reproduce cities, learn about chemical experiments, model the structure of human body, etc.
· Funbrain
One of the most popular websites with good games for little and older students is Funbrain. In addition, it contains many books to read, such as ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’, as well as comics. There are math games too. It helps students to read more and form their own opinion. This educational website was established in 1992, but it is still popular among teens who are aimed at their development. What is more, you can make a limiting computer time, which can help you have some off-line activities too.
· Virtonomics
One more fascinating game platform is Virtonomics. It is a business simulator where children can learn more about management and develop skills. It seems awesome, as there is no similar subject at school to provide teens with such information. It’s a multiplayer game and that means that students can improve their skills in communication with others as well. This is an endless game without victory or failure, but you have a competition with other players in making a successful business.
Ways to Combine Games You Love with Education
If you don’t want to get bad grades, but want to play games, you’d better set some rules for yourself. For instance, you can play games for only 2 hours a day and spend the rest of your spare time studying. Or you can allocate one day a week to play without any study. It’ll help you not to spend all days long in front of your gadgets. Everyone knows that correctly distributed time makes a person more successful and mature. Moreover, a switch of activities makes the brain more productive and flexible. That’s why marks will get better and you’ll become more responsible due to the wise distribution of your time on games and studies.
To add, it would be great, if students had a planner. Every day they could write all plans there and follow them accordingly. Let’s say, you have to study a lot, so you can write down some plans and count the approximate amount of time you need to complete them, so you can allocate some of your free of studying time on playing. It can really come handy for many students. If a student is afraid of not stopping in time, he or she can set a timer or an alarm clock. It’s very easy to do but it will make them more confident, focused, and productive.
In a nutshell, a game can improve knowledge and logical thinking, if you choose an educational one or manage your time wisely. There are hundreds of great games for people of any age and status. If you want to play one, make a proper choice, which will help you to develop your skills, and become a clever person. Academic grades at school will become better and better if students distribute their time correctly thanks to their planner or timer, and refuse those games which degrade their brain.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” he is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
