The “Wikipedia problem,” which refers to children turning to the Internet for ready-made answers, is a new-age phenomenon baffling teachers and mentors worldwide. Almost the same number of teachers see technology as a solution as a problem. While there is a general belief that technology is interfering with students’ ability to think and analyze, there is also a strong opinion in favor of the ability of video games and digital devices to engage students and enhance learning through the use of one or more sensory stimulators. Despite growing concerns about student attention deficits, institutions are integrating it into the classroom learning process.
Children are curious creatures by nature. They have a curiosity to learn new things by discovering, discovering, and experimenting, even before they receive formal instructional methods such as reading or writing Elo boost. Science is the study of experimentation and discovery. The National Science Education Standards state that “Science education should provide students with three kinds of science skills and understanding. Students should learn the principles and concepts of science, acquire the reasoning and procedural skills of scientists, and understand the nature of science. Thus, “Students need to be able to devise and conduct investigations that test their ideas and understand why such investigations are uniquely powerful. Research shows that students learn this way.” Therefore, it is essential to involve children in science education at an early age.
Digital games can capture the interest and attention of students more than any other traditional means of providing education in the classroom. However, some educators also attribute it to the exponential decline in children’s attention span. The next section of this article discusses children’s engagement with games in the age of technology, the types of games available on the market, and the impact of digital games as learning aids in the classroom.
Games and New Age Kids
Digital technology has expanded the horizons of video games in the modern world. Children are exposed to a much more complex and challenging technological environment than half a century ago. The involvement of children in digital games is a result of significant changes in the lifestyle and culture of modern society. The easy accessibility of technology, unnecessary income from working families, and the lack of infrastructure for outdoor activities in many cities are the main reasons that make screen games an important part of children’s lives. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010) found that only 20% of census blocks were within half a mile of a block boundary. And in this age of social networking, the impact of peer pressure cannot be dampened.
The digital gaming market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global entertainment industry. America is witnessing unprecedented penetration of digital gaming among young people. In the, 97% of teens play some type of game on a regular basis. The gaming market in India has grown manifold over the past few years. It is therefore imperative that educators continue to consider the use of digital games as learning tools in the classroom. Educational institutions are also adopting innovative ways to leverage digital advantage to enhance the learning experience in schools.
What are digital games?
There is no specific definition of a game, and it may depend on personal preference and profession. A game can be defined as “a system in which players engage in a contrived conflict defined by rules, resulting in quantifiable outcomes.” Technology and digitization add a new dimension to games with sensory stimulation devices such as simulation, interaction, augmented reality, alternate reality, collective intelligence and sound and visual effects. Digital games are also characterized by portability and unlimited accessibility.
