Should computer games be used for classroom instruction?

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Daryl Andrada, WHS Reporter

The use of computer games for classroom instruction is often called as gamified learning. Some say the future of classroom learning should be digital, so that students barely notice they are learning. Some said that computer games and classroom learning can’t go together, because they see the computer games as a distraction which is actually true.

There’s a lot of computer games that are both entertaining and educational as well. If these educational video games are used properly in the classroom, they can really help students to learn. Games teach us everything from strategy, logic, teamwork and makes us competitive. Some video games are related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, which help us a lot to be engaged and further our knowledge towards STEM. We are living with high technology, and we should use it for our everyday life, like using it for educational purposes. Students are so tired of doing schoolwork and they need to have a break. Computer games should not overtake the classroom, but once in a while, fun alternative is a great idea. Computer games can also improve patience and decision making abilities. Some computer games are very difficult and can build different experiences in students, such as hard games invoke patience, while easier games are played for relaxation and enjoyment. 

Most of  the computer games out there are very violent. Because of this, teachers get hesitant for its implementation. Students, especially kids, may turn more aggressive after playing computer games. Some teachers say that classroom resources, such as books, should be prioritized before those computer games. There are less educational computer games out there, and students don’t even like to play those games. Computer games encourage lack of attention span and more for entertainment purposes than for leaning for most of the part. Teachers don’t see computer games as a learning resources, because of their content. Parents usually don’t like the idea of putting computer games as a way of learning, because students spend excessive time on video games. Teachers also don’t desire the idea of computer games as a classroom resource. Both teachers and parents desire to keep the traditional way of learning. Computer games are really hard to monitor, because they need to make sure that everyone is in the same level of difficulty. 

Computer games and other technologies are creating both positive and negative impact in our society. Some said that technology and education cannot work together, but we are trying to work it out. We need to control the usage of technology, especially computer games, for our own good and for our future.