Video games often get a bad rap, but can they actually be a valuable learning tool? Many educators and parents wonder why a child can spend hours engrossed in a game like Minecraft, yet struggle to focus on educational apps. The key lies in understanding how good learning games tap into intrinsic motivation and genuine engagement.
The Power of Resonant Games
Louisa Rosenheck, a researcher at MIT’s Education Arcade Lab, emphasizes that “what’s really motivating about a good learning game is the learning.” Humans are naturally driven to learn and improve, but traditional educational games often fall short by focusing on rote memorization and procedural skills. Rosenheck and her team advocate for “resonant games,” designed with open-ended exploration and connections to broader concepts, fostering deeper learning.
Identifying a Good Learning Game
With a plethora of games available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Effective learning games share key characteristics:
- Player Agency: They offer choices in gameplay and goal setting, empowering players to shape their experience.
- Sparking Curiosity: They ignite a desire to understand how things work, leading players to ask questions and investigate.
- “Hard Fun”: They provide an appropriate level of challenge that is both engaging and rewarding, pushing players to persevere.
These features contrast sharply with “gamification,” which superficially adds points and badges to learning tasks without integrating them meaningfully. Resonant games prioritize authentic learning by:
- Encouraging Exploration: Players learn through experimentation and discovery, rather than passive instruction.
- Providing Feedback: Players receive information that helps them understand the game’s mechanics and refine their strategies.
- Connecting to Real-World Systems: Games focus on conceptual understanding and application, rather than isolated facts. For instance, a game might explore mathematical principles through problem-solving scenarios instead of drilling multiplication tables.
Beyond Entertainment: Supporting Game-Based Learning
While many adults limit screen time, it’s crucial to recognize that fun and learning can coexist. The challenge lies in helping children connect their gameplay to the real world. Adults can facilitate this by:
- Engaging in Conversations: Ask children about their discoveries and strategies (“What have you figured out?”).
- Emphasizing Social-Emotional Skills: Games provide opportunities to develop persistence, problem-solving, and resilience.
- Acknowledging Social Connections: Online games can foster social interaction, especially important during times of isolation.
- Letting Go of Control: Allow children to explore independently and create space for reflection and sharing.
By shifting our perspective and understanding the principles of effective game design, we can harness the power of video games to enhance learning and engagement.
