One of the most burning questions that tech aficionados who also happen to be big gaming fans tend to ask themselves (or their buddies over a fresh cup of coffee) is whether gaming will ever start to replace traditional learning as we all know it. And we are not only talking about the way our kids do their homework over the internet. Can you imagine a future heart surgeon practice his freshly learnt skills on a virtual patient online, using a mouse cursor? Or a future pilot flying a plane in a perfectly realistic plane in an augmented reality game? No fatal mistakes up in the sky, no extra hassle, smaller expenses, enhanced convenience. These are just a few of the main advantages that we could all benefit from providing the idea would turn into reality.
Social Network Games Could Change The Way We Learn
If you are a medical student and you are looking to specialize in general surgery, a social game on a top social platform could grant you access to a highly realistic, fully virtual operating room. You will get the chance to practice whenever you want, for as long as you want and perfect your skills by the day. You will also be able to make mistakes that could otherwise be fatal in a real OR, on a real patient, with zero repercussions – other than a smashed ego. You will get to practice endlessly until you will eventually reach perfection or at least something close to it.
Someone suffering from Multiple Sclerosis can improve their balance by playing social games that rely on boards players need to stand on in order to maintain their balance. For example, a virtual game of surf could help here.
There are top social games that already allow people who suffer from Dyslexia to read and improve their learning abilities. Games usually come with a number of different environments that will keep players' attention span at their highest. Studies have shown that Dyslexic learners playing these games can considerably improve their concentration when reading. Games with intense action have also been proven to improve these skills. Some game titles will ask players to make use of their leader traits. By replicating the same type of behavior in real life, they will enhance their personal and professional life.
Solving a puzzle game online on a social media site will usually result in more winning games (or better results) the next time you will play the same games. This is caused by a certain enzyme found in the brain that is known to increase the efficiency of your work while slowing down the natural aging process. Isn't that a genuine win-win scenario? Elderly people who perhaps no longer can leave their homes on their own will still have a chance to significantly improve their cognitive functions by playing bingo or their loved fruit machines from their homes.
With games revolving on world history or science, it is barely impossible for players not to gain some knowledge every time they hit the play button. Other games are more focused on sports, with excellent practice modes that should encourage players to imitate the physical movements and training of soccer, basketball or tennis players, to name just a few.
Another excellent means of learning through social games refers to the use of strategy games that ask you to give flash answers to various questions - usually decisions. Imagine a game in which players' (online) lives depend on the decisions they make within the game.
Young People's Attention Span Is Shrinking
Experts claim the classical form of learning we are all used to is no longer suitable for today's younger generation whose attention span has decreased significantly over the years. Some would claim that social media platforms and video games have contributed to this problem – and that the solution should be found within the problem itself. Since children are already learning as they go every time they start to play a new game and they follow no instructions, nor do they read any manuals, teachers should incorporate similar elements in the learning cycle.
Games used in the classrooms could help teachers improve students' thinking abilities and their problem-solving skills. The more interesting the games, the more successful they will be. Most of today's interactive video games feature instant messaging options, voice controls, screen captions along with AR and other elements. These games have the potential of making learning a lot more appealing for people of all ages.
A video game that teaches players how to read and gain a better sense of game tutorials is an excellent idea. It's motivating and engaging when a player learns how to read and interpret various symbols and writings they usually come across when playing their favorite games.
