Blog post 2: Is there more to online games than fun?

Online games can be so much more than just fun; they have become a great learning tool to use for engaging children in educational but fun activities. This can be seen in gaming programs designed to supplement classroom learning through the inclusion of fun activities. Some of these games include Reading Eggs, which is a literacy supplement full of fun activities and games enhancing literacy skills as well as Mathletics providing numeracy support in a fun way. Ong (2013) suggests that children are more receptive to complex ideas when they are taught in a fun and engaging way using creative strategies. He also believes that learning does not always need to be purposeful and that children absorb more valuable information during fun gaming experiences. With this information, gaming in and outside of the classroom would be an effective tool to implement into the current curriculum, as all children respond to different learning methods this would be an ideal tool to supplement learning.

Children thrive in positive learning experiences, which is enabled in the use of online gaming. These games can prove children with engagement in activities that reward and progress through levels providing instant gratification. By providing instant gratification children are praised for constantly doing well in a particular task and encouraged to continue gaming. When children receive this gratification they feel happy and are ready to face the next challenge with a positive attitude.

Reference

Ong, A. (2013). What are the benefits of playing online games for children? Positive Parenting Connection. Retrieved 21 September 2017, from http://www.positiveparentingconnection.net/what-are-the-benefits-of-playing-online-games-for-children/