“Online games refer to games that are played over some form of computer network, most often the internet. Online games can range from simple text-based games to games incorporating complex graphics and virtual worlds populated by many payers simultaneously.” (Anon, 2008). While most parents and educators think that online gaming is bad for children, and are only for entertainment purposes, there are still many benefits for children. Online gaming can actually be beneficial for children’s cognitive skills. “Cognitive games help to indulge one's brain in constant stimulation, thus improving the brain's performance.” (Sheila Eugenio, 2017)
One of the benefits is that it improves children’s problem-solving skills. Many online games will require “the player… to make split- second decisions” (Sheila Eugenio, 2017). Different games will require different tasks and challenges to be considered but most games will eventually get faster as the player gets further into the game. This means players will need to solve issues in a small amount of time a prioritize what needs to be done first so that they can pass and move onto the next level. The game Grand Theft Auto is n example of one of these games that help with problem solving. As it is a fast paced game, it will require you to make quick decisions, “process information faster and keep track of more information”. (Lindström, T. 2015) Car racing games are also another example of games that will help improve problem solving skills due to the pace of the game.
Online gaming is also beneficial for education purposes. “Many modern education institutions incorporate video games as a teaching methodology. This helps these children improve their academic skills by providing video games that are specifically aimed at enhancing their cognitive and creative skills.” (Sheila Eugenio, 2017). I remember in primary school playing the game Mathletics which required you to answer flash cards quickly in a race to answer more questions that your competitors. You were able to verse similar aged students all over the world. With the bright visuals and competitive and fast paced nature of the game, this kept children, including me, engaged for ages. I even went home to play it willingly in my own time. When education is incorporated into games, this allows students to stay engaged and enjoy learning.
There are however some disadvantages for online gaming. As these games are on the internet, some children may accidentally start “downloading spam, viruses, malicious software etc.” (victorkarm, Benzinga Contributor, 2014) A solution to this though is that parents can buy software’s and virus protector programs that help protect their computers from these viruses. According to PCMag Australia, some of the best Antivirus Software’s for 2018 are Bitdefender, Norton and McAfee. (Rubenking, N. 2018) Another negative is that there is risk that children could come across predators and/ or get abused as a lot of these websites allow communication to occur between players. Parents need to monitor the websites their child is on to ensure that they are safe. They can also block different websites to be guaranteed that their child will be safe online.
One of the benefits is that it improves children’s problem-solving skills. Many online games will require “the player… to make split- second decisions” (Sheila Eugenio, 2017). Different games will require different tasks and challenges to be considered but most games will eventually get faster as the player gets further into the game. This means players will need to solve issues in a small amount of time a prioritize what needs to be done first so that they can pass and move onto the next level. Communication to occur between players. Parents need to monitor the websites their child is on to ensure that they are safe. They can also block different websites to be guaranteed that their child will be safe online.
“Online games refer to games that are played over some form of computer network, most often the internet. Online games can range from simple text-based games to games incorporating complex graphics and virtual worlds populated by many payers simultaneously.” (Anon, 2008). While most parents and educators think that online gaming is bad for children, and are only for entertainment purposes, there are still many benefits for children. Online gaming can actually be beneficial for children’s cognitive skills. “Cognitive games help to indulge one's brain in constant stimulation, thus improving the brain's performance.” (Sheila Eugenio, 2017)
REFERENCES
· Lindström, T. (2015). 6 video games that could improve your problem-solving skills - Smashdig. [online] Smashdig. Available at: http://smashdig.com/artikel/6-video-games-that-could-improve-your-problem-solving-skills/ [Accessed 5 Oct. 2018].
· Rubenking, N. (2018). The Best Antivirus Protection of 2018. [online] PCMag Australia. Available at: https://au.pcmag.com/antivirus-reviews-and/8949/guide/the-best-antivirus-protection-of-2018 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2018].
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