It's wild to think about how far we've come, especially when it comes to video games. Do you remember the days when society used to consider them as the ultimate enemy of productivity?
Well, not anymore. Today, gaming is not only accepted but embraced by millions. According to the 2019 Chinese Gaming Industry Report, China alone boasts 640 million game users, with a balanced gender ratio. Mobile games like "Honor of Kings" and "PUBG Mobile" have amassed vast followings, and platforms such as Steam, TapTap, Bilibili, Weibo, and even Little Red Book are buzzing with gaming discussions. During the pandemic, "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" became a global sensation, gaining millions of users in just three months.
This explosion of gaming culture might seem overwhelming, especially for parents worried about their kids getting too immersed in virtual worlds of dragons, race cars, and superheroes. Traditionally, video games were seen as a Pandora's box, potentially turning innocent children into internet-addicted teens. But can we really shield this generation from games and their massive influence?
The answer, undoubtedly, is no.
For a lot of youngsters today, video games are not just some alternate reality, but an integral part of their real world.
They don't just play these games, they live them, learning from them, socializing through them, and problem-solving in them. And if that's the case, isn't it about time we turned the tables and used gaming principles for something productive?
This isn't just a fantasy. In healthcare, games like "EndeavorRx," developed by Akili Interactive Labs, have been recognized by the FDA as a prescription treatment for ADHD. Similarly, "Voracy Fish," by the French GENIOUS Healthcare, aids stroke patients in rehabilitating their upper limbs. Educational games are also proving to be effective supplements to traditional learning methods, making their mark at the intersection of education and entertainment.
Educational games have also made their way into the realm of academia, proving to be useful supplements to traditional learning methods for young students. Slowly but surely, educational games have carved out a niche for themselves at the intersection of education and gaming. These games don't just exist for the pleasure of playing; their purpose is to help learners absorb academic knowledge in a fun and engaging way.
01 What is the Educational Game?
To appreciate the potential of educational games, it's essential to dive into what makes them tick. Video games are characterized by interactivity and simulation. Interactivity involves the player's input and the game's response, creating a feedback loop.
These elements align perfectly with educational objectives. Interactivity allows learners to engage actively with educational content, mastering subjects at their own pace. Simulation immerses learners in scenarios they might not experience otherwise, like assembling molecular structures or exploring historical events.
Consider the educational game "Zoombinis," created in 1996. It enhances players' logical and mathematical thinking through a charming narrative where blue creatures, Zoombinis, embark on an adventure to find a new home. Players use logic, data analysis, and pattern recognition to help the Zoombinis navigate obstacles. With 12 levels and increasing difficulty, the game requires players to engage in cognitive tasks such as information processing and problem-solving. This integration of gameplay and learning helps players grasp core mathematical concepts while having fun.
Let's take the first level, "Allergic Cliffs," for a more concrete understanding. In this level, players face two log bridges spanning a deep canyon, each guarded by a stone face. However, these guardians are allergic to certain characteristics of the Zoombinis. If players put a Zoombini that the guardian is allergic to on the bridge, the poor Zoombini will be sent back to the starting point due to the combined attack of a shaky bridge and the guardian's sneezes.
Yet, players aren't provided with any verbal instructions on how to play this game. They must repeatedly engage in cognitive activities like information intake, processing, and application, analyzing everything from the Zoombinis' hairstyles and facial features to clothing characteristics. They gradually uncover the reasons why the Zoombinis can successfully cross the bridge. Puzzle-solving tasks and logical thinking abilities merge organically here.
By mastering the game, players can grasp core mathematical thinking methods like classification thinking, sequential thinking, graphical thinking, inductive thinking, and transformational thinking. According to the REVERE Awards Committee,
"Zoombinis help children learn math and science in the most natural way. It perfectly assists learners in breaking down problem structures, thus creating optimal solutions."
02 What makes a great educational game? The standards.
So, what really makes a great educational game?
FUN.
This might sound whimsical, but it's crucial. A game that's merely a dressed-up educational tool—often referred to as "chocolate-covered broccoli"—won't engage learners. Although it appears to be something delicious, it's still hard to swallow. Many developers stress that,
"Focusing too much on the purpose of educational games often hinders the final implementation. If a child doesn't enjoy playing it, even the most powerful academic knowledge incorporated into the game is useless."
Let me give another example: the game platform PaGamO.
It combines land conquest and math questions in a competitive environment, encouraging learners to expand their territories by answering math problems correctly. However, as an educational game, there's still a lot of room for improvement.
In this game design, elements like "expanding territory and battling bosses" are fundamentally disconnected from the math problems. Education and gameplay are unrelated in this design; they're just linked through game-like feedback and incentives.
Let's take a broader look at the children's game market, beyond just the PaGamO gaming platform.
Today, many so-called educational games fall short. They often present academic content in an unappealing, gamified shell, failing to truly integrate learning with fun. These games don't foster enthusiasm for learning and often become another burden for students.
In contrast, great educational games like "Zoombinis" weave educational content seamlessly into the gameplay. Players learn through playing, naturally absorbing concepts and skills. The game narrative and educational content are intertwined, creating a cohesive and enjoyable learning experience.
03 Are education games addictive?
We've all heard the warnings about the dangers of excessive gaming. Concerns about neglecting responsibilities, exposure to violence, and addiction are valid. But my own experience during the pandemic opened my eyes to the positive side of gaming. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" provided a much-needed escape and a way to connect with friends. It sparked curiosity and creativity, showing that well-designed games can enrich our lives.
In today's diverse gaming landscape, it's impossible to shield children completely from games. Instead, we should focus on wise choices and inclusive attitudes. Excellent educational games share characteristics of being fun, challenging, and interactive. Parents and educators should help children discover these games and engage in discussions about their gaming experiences.
Wise Choices
Excellent educational games often share similar characteristics: they are fun, challenging, and interactive. They do not merely dress up dry academic questions with glamorous game packaging, but blend academics and entertainment from the inside out. I hope that parents won't adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to games and prohibit all gaming experiences for their children. Instead, I hope that parents can use the above three simple elements to help their children discover more good games and actively discuss the games they are playing.
Inclusive Attitudes
Many parents and educators still have a strong dependence on traditional educational paths. Although educational games have been around for a while, games as a whole are still criticized. But I hope everyone can give educational games some time and space to grow and ferment.
Moreover, integrating "gaming literacy" into education can help students understand, evaluate, and make the most of their gaming experiences. This approach fosters a balanced perspective, recognizing the potential of games as learning tools rather than just sources of entertainment.
Conclusion
The potential of educational games is immense. With thoughtful design and implementation, they can become powerful tools for learning and personal growth. As game companies and educational developers continue to innovate, we can expect educational games to offer even more possibilities, blending fun and learning seamlessly.
I believe that learning and play are always complementary. Learning shouldn't be just recitation, memorization, imitation, and repetition. Games can give children more opportunities for self-exploration and self-expression. A well-designed educational game is both a good game and a valuable educational tool. If used correctly, these games can become catalysts for learning, supporting young people on their educational journeys and beyond.