Educators’ interest in games for learning stems from the unique ability of games to not only be intrinsically motivating to engage with but also the way in which they promote the development of a range of skills such as problem solving. As such, we constructed a useful infographic to summarize exactly what happens inside the mind of a gamer.
Activity:
What skills are gamers developing by playing games?
Instructions:
To learn more about each of the subtopics integrated in the infographic, click on the pulsating icons.
What skills are gamers developing by playing games?
Instructions:
To learn more about each of the subtopics integrated in the infographic, click on the pulsating icons.
Optional Activity: If any of these characteristics surprised you or if you have something to add, let us know by including a short post in the Padlet below.
Also, for those interested to learn more about the brain and video games, check out this TEDtalk by Daphne Bavelier: |
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Of course, it’s important to approach game-based learning objectively and therefore we also need to explore some of the negative effects that can be associated with gameplay.
Check out this video on how games can affect behaviour and discover how important our role is in determining the appropriate content that should be included in games. Here is also a link to an article that takes a look at some of the potential detriments of gameplay as a learning tool to help bring to your attention some of the counterarguments to game-based learning. |
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The Neuroscience of Gameplay
“That’s right—your kid’s brain on Minecraft looks like a brain on drugs.”
The above quote might be an exaggeration but it is not unusual to hear of reported negative health claims regarding the playing of digital games. For the most part, many of these statements are unverified and lack evidence to back up such bold claims. However, the question remains what exactly are the effects of gameplay on the brain. Research has shown that the changes in the brain due to playing games are positive and not negative for the most part. Several studies even offer insight into exactly how the many benefits of gaming such as improved problem solving or increased visual acuity develops in the mind of the gamer. Look at the infographic below for a few highlights from the research. If you would like to know more, read this article which was recently published on Psychology Today or if you have more time available, here is the link to the full research paper which reports on a meta-analysis of 116 articles focused on investigating what effects playing games have on brain function.
“That’s right—your kid’s brain on Minecraft looks like a brain on drugs.”
The above quote might be an exaggeration but it is not unusual to hear of reported negative health claims regarding the playing of digital games. For the most part, many of these statements are unverified and lack evidence to back up such bold claims. However, the question remains what exactly are the effects of gameplay on the brain. Research has shown that the changes in the brain due to playing games are positive and not negative for the most part. Several studies even offer insight into exactly how the many benefits of gaming such as improved problem solving or increased visual acuity develops in the mind of the gamer. Look at the infographic below for a few highlights from the research. If you would like to know more, read this article which was recently published on Psychology Today or if you have more time available, here is the link to the full research paper which reports on a meta-analysis of 116 articles focused on investigating what effects playing games have on brain function.