Video games help children study during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced self-isolation, wearing masks, and other outdoor health measures. Schools have reopened, but there is much debate about the risks of spreading the disease. In this article, Funcell Games finds out what to occupy yourself with self-isolation, why games are useful, and how to educate children by playing.

Using online games as a platform for learning provides players with amenities you can’t get in a face-to-face class. This method is designed to supplement, not replace, school programs. Games can improve skills in the following areas: English, math, science, history, and physical education.

Games create a fun learning environment that is designed to support social and physical activity and still not distract the learning process.

Language and Literacy

A study by the National Literacy Trust of Great Britain found that 35% of children who play video games consider themselves more well-read and literate. The study also found that half of the participants read and write game-related materials at least once a month. Such activity encourages creativity and the development of literacy, two qualities of English classes.

This is because today’s games have better plots than school works. Telltale Games has created a collection of story games based on pop culture, from Batman to the Fables series. The target audience for these products is teens and older.

Science

Games develop the following cognitive qualities in gamers: attention, reaction, the ability to make quick decisions, and memory.

Video games also improve the performance of tasks that require hand-eye coordination. For the training of pilots and surgeons, there are already special simulation games on which the future specialist trains and practices skills.

Technical university students are advised to play games that recreate a realistic physical environment, such as Portal 2 from Valve Corporation.

History

In a virtual world, there are no limits, and even time travel is possible. The Assassin’s Creed franchise allows players to explore authentic historical settings and interact with personalities from the Crusades, the Italian Renaissance, the French and American Revolutions, Greece and Ancient Egypt. The events in the games may not be historically accurate, but developer Ubisoft prides itself on the research that goes into creating an authentic setting.

The Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise is loved by scholars and gamers alike. Civilization is a historical simulation game in which the player becomes the ruler of civilization and strategically maneuvers through the complex economic, political, technological, religious and cultural issues involved in creating an empire.

Through such franchises, games become a fascinating introduction to past events, people, and issues.

Mathematics

Mathematics is the foundation of game design. Trigonometry, algebra, and various calculations are important when designing a product. If students are going to create and design their own games in the future, knowledge of math is essential.

Prodigy Games provides free math games for high school students. These games have been found to increase test scores for elementary school students.

Physical Education

After a student has spent part of the day sitting, it’s time to stretch and exercise. Nintendo released the Nintendo Wii console in 2006, which increased gamers’ mobility and energy. The Nintendo Wii is motion-driven and remains a top-selling console to this day, with Wii Sports and Wii Fit among the top 10 best-selling games.

In 2019, Nintendo attracted gamers with a new fitness game, Ring Fit Adventure, for the Nintendo Switch. Ring Fit Adventure combines elements of yoga and strength training, cardio and Pilates. According to user reviews, the game improves health and fitness and is fun and easy to play.

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