How Video Games Promote Learning on Children - 7 Tips

Video games’ presence and popularity have been ever-growing now days. They have become one of the most popular entertainment activities for people of all ages including children. Parents should take advantage about this situation to use video games in educational purpose. We should realize the challenge in video games always interesting in children views could function as powerful tools in assisting children cognitive processes.

The use of multimedia in education has significantly changed children’s learning processes.The promise of computers and video games as teachers was recognize in the 1980s where there was a nationwide push to get computers into the classroom. In the same period video games also moved into children’s house. Many researchers investigate whether computer-based video games facilitate children’s cognitive learning achievement. And here are some of the results.

According to the findings of the study, future research should continue to investigate the impact of computer-based video games along with different instructional strategies on varied children’s learning achievements, such as facts, concepts, comprehension, problem-solving, or critical-thinking skills. Results from a number of research studies indicate that appropriately designed multimedia instruction enhances students’ learning performance in science, mathematics, and literacy.

And while some of them have educational content and promote learning, problem solving and help with the development of motor skills and coordination, others emphasize negative themes and promote killing, fighting, foul language, criminal behavior and violence in general. Some children accept violence as a way to handle problems. Studies have also shown that the more realistic and repeated the exposure to violence, the greater the impact on children. In addition, children with emotional, behavioral and learning problems may be more influenced by violent images.

Parents should have a good knowledge and understanding of each child so that they can assist them in selecting appropriate learning materials including video games. These are some tips to buying games for children:

• Checking the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings. The rating system will suggest whether a game is appropriate for young children, or if it’s best for teens and older. Just remember you know your children better than anyone, so use the ESRB ratings as a guide instead of a rule.
• Find out what your children hoping for with talk to them, but make sure that they understand you’re going to find out more before making a final decision. I know you will get the games that may be educational as well as fun.
• Hit some game review sites to get a preliminary list of games. Amazon.com and gamespot.com reviews most major games that have been released. The way you have the better idea to select appropriate games both in content and level of development for your children.
• Pay attention at the description of the rating. Find the explanation why it’s rated that way. This is an excellent starting point for whether a game is something you’d be comfortable with.
• Try the demo before you buy it, especially if you’re not sure about the content. Many games have demo versions available for free download. You can often find the demos on the game publishers’ site, but if not, you can search for it.
  

Now parents can enjoy playing video games with their children. But there are another step to make sure this activity will not make problems. Here are a few tips to avoid negative impact of video games:

1. Do not install video game equipment in your children bedroom
2. Playing video games with their children to experience the games content.
3. Remembering that you are a role model for your children – including video games you play as an adult.
4. Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games.
5. Strongly warning children about potential serious dangers of Internet contacts and relationships while playing games online.
6. Take the time to discuss with your children the games they are playing. Ask them how they feel about what they observe in these video games.
7. Talking with other parents about your family video game rules.
   

About author:

Hi, my name is Indria Bolinggi. I am a housewife and a teacher of drawing lesson for building design. I love my children. That’s why I have a big attention for their toys and games. I build this site to share with other parents about choosing the best toys for our children. For further information and guide of choosing various toys and games please visit:

www.besttoys-guide.com