The way people learn is constantly changing and constantly evolving. This field is dynamic and has always adapted very well to technological and educational advances.
In recent years, video games have become effective teaching methods, especially for children. Unlike the old school approach, learning through video games helps students solve complex tasks, receive feedback, and act accordingly. Also, video games can be adapted to the level of learning of each person.
The significant advantage of video games is it is a profoundly good method of getting people to learn and enjoy learning. The challenge, however, is to find quality games that meet all these criteria and teach the proper lessons.
What is an educational video game?
Educational video games are games developed specifically to help players understand certain concepts, develop new problem-solving skills or learn new knowledge through various methods. They allow students to learn by playing while stimulating their working memories. Students must remember details, game rules, controls, characters, storyline, purpose, etc., to advance in video games.
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Is it healthy for a child to play video games?
Maybe at first glance, the first reaction is that video games are harmful to children, but the truth is that video games can help in children’s education. Teaching with video games can be folded into math, history, and even English lessons. The games at school are an effective learning tool that improves students’ focus, develops their multitasking and social skills, and can speed up brain function through the full of visual and audial stimulus that players must take in, interpret, and react to.
Recommended video games for children
Today, almost all children play video games on mobile, PC, or consoles. Game developers know that the best way to learn is through fun. So they became very creative when introducing educational lessons for children, which also offered them fun. Educational video games can be puzzles, question sessions, maps with mysteries, etc.
Some of the recommended video games for children are:
- Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego? The child will learn about the capitals of countries, the locations of historical events, and other geographical facts.
- The Oregon Trail. Students will learn about historical events, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and more.
- Nancy Drew Interactive Mysteries. Children will learn through this game about historical events and influential figures, critical thinking, foreign cultures, languages and customs, and problem-solving skills.
- Children will develop logic, patterns, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
For parents who want to choose video games for children to support them in learning, they can consult Pan-European Game Information. This is a European video game content rating system established to help European consumers make informed decisions when buying video games or apps using age recommendations and content descriptors.
What is virtual reality in educational video games?
Virtual reality has become a popular tool to support the educational system. Students have the opportunity to learn and experience some phenomena that in real life would be impossible. Using several senses (touch, sense of heat, smell), VR offers a significant interaction effect between the learning mode and the students’ spatial ability. Also, virtual reality supports players with various learning styles in gaining cognitive achievement.
How to apply virtual reality to video games?
Many educational video games have applied virtual reality to create great learning experiences. Unlike classic PC games, VR games make children more involved and motivated to learn. These are used in various learning situations, including e-learning, ICT training, ubiquitous games, e-readers, and learning by playing.
Virtual reality educational games have a clear purpose and are designed to impart knowledge to children but innovatively. Virtual reality applied in video games teaches players about how things work as well as being able to express themselves. VR games attract children to complete a series of tasks but in a fun way. In this mode, VR educational games are as effective as possible in reaching the object of learning.
What do educational video games with virtual reality allow?
Until now, learning methods only facilitated access to information, observations, and facts about the world. But virtual reality allows users to not only see the world but also interact with it. Being immersed in what you’re learning motivates you to understand it fully. Below are some of the reasons why virtual reality has become so powerful as a learning tool.
Travel to times gone by with virtual reality
With VR educational games, you can learn history, for example, much faster. When you read about past facts, you can only imagine. But when you see and experience history’s events, you are impressed, and they remain in your memory more easily.
Expansion of the contents of the study plan
The study plan is no longer limited to learning by reading some information but allows students to understand how things work based on their own experience. Expansion of the contents of the study plan involves learning by doing. In classical learning cases, students focus on reading instructions rather than putting them into practice. Through VR educational games, students are inspired to discover for themselves – especially since they know that there can be no wrong answer here, only experimenting with events.
Strengthen concepts given in class
Geography classes will not only remain at the theory stage. The information no longer remains only at the concept stage, but students can explore the subject and can consolidate their information by seeing with their own eyes how they work and show things in practice. Thanks to VR games, students can visit any place globally – this type of experience is much more enriching than just reading about it.
How can Starloop Studios help you create your educational video game with virtual reality?
VR technology is a new horizon in the educational industry. More and more teachers and parents are eager to use VR educational games to make the information as accessible as possible to children.
Starloop Studios is proud to be part of the Magic Media group, an international group specialising in entertainment and gaming industry services. Our wide range of offerings includes VFX, blockchain gaming, game art services, and more. Reach out today to avail of our expertise and A-Z services for your projects.
