How Video Games Promote Learning on Children

Videogames presence and popularity have been ever-growing now days.  They have become oneof the most popular entertainment activities for people of all ages includingchildren.Parents should take advantage about this situation to use video games ineducational purpose. We should realize the challenge in video games alwaysinteresting in children views could function as powerful tools in assistingchildren cognitive processes.

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

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

Andwhile some of them have educational content and promote learning, problemsolving and help with the development of motor skills and coordination, othersemphasize negative themes and promote killing, fighting, foul language,criminal behavior and violence in general. Some children accept violence as away to handle problems. Studies have also shown that the more realistic andrepeated the exposure to violence, the greater the impact on children. Inaddition, children with emotional, behavioral and learning problems may be moreinfluenced by violent images.

Parentsshould have a good knowledge and understanding of each child so that they canassist them in selecting appropriate learning materials including video games. Theseare some tips to buying games for children:

1.   Checkingthe Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings. The rating system will suggestwhether a game is appropriate for young children, or if it’s best for teens andolder. Just remember you know your children better than anyone, so use the ESRBratings as a guide instead of a rule.

2.   Findout what your children hoping for with talk to them, but make sure that theyunderstand you’re going to find out more before making a final decision. I knowyou will get the games that may be educational as well as fun.

3.    Hit some gamereview sites to get a preliminary list of games. Amazon.com and gamespot.comreviews most major games that have been released.The way you have the better idea to select appropriate games both in contentand level of development for your children.

4.   Pay attention at the description ofthe rating. Find the explanation why it’s rated that way. This is an excellent startingpoint for whether a game is something you’d be comfortable with.

5.   Trythe 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 findthe demos on the game publishers’ site, but if not, you can search for it.

Now parents can enjoyplaying video games with their children. But there are another step to makesure this activity will not make problems. Here are a few tips to avoidnegative impact of video games:

1.   Donot install video game equipment in your children bedroom.

2.   Playing video games with theirchildren to experience the games content.

3.   Remembering that you are a rolemodel for your children – including video games you play as an adult.

4.   Setlimits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games.

5.   Strongly warning children aboutpotential serious dangers of Internet contacts and relationships while playinggames online.

6.   Takethe time to discuss with your children the games they are playing. Ask them howthey feel about what they observe in these video games.

7.   Talking with other parents aboutyour family video game rules.