How do integrating online games into classroom settings can have a significant impact on the development of problem-solving skills and critical thinking among students with different learning styles?
Integrating online games into classroom settings can significantly enhance the development of problem-solving skills and critical thinking among students with different learning styles by creating an interactive and engaging learning environment. These games cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners through their use of graphics, sound, and interactive elements, respectively. They provide personalized learning experiences, allowing students to progress at their own pace and receive instant feedback, which is essential for mastering problem-solving techniques. Additionally, online games often involve complex scenarios that require logical reasoning, creative problem-solving, and decision-making, fostering critical thinking skills. Collaborative multiplayer games also promote teamwork and effective communication, further enhancing students' ability to solve problems collectively and think critically. Overall, the use of online games in education supports diverse learning modalities, encourages active learning, and provides a safe space for experimentation and reflective thinking, making them a valuable tool for developing essential cognitive skills.
You raised an important issue to address. Hereby I searched for studies that consider your question:
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2) Rizki, I. A., Suprapto, N., Saphira, H. V., Alfarizy, Y., Ramadani, R., Saputri, A. D., & Suryani, D. (2024). Cooperative model, digital game, and augmented reality-based learning to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and learning motivation. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 8(1), 339-355. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202423825, Open access: https://www.ijopr.com/article/cooperative-model-digital-game-and-augmented-reality-based-learning-to-enhance-students-critical-14209
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Thank you so much, "Bulcsu Szekely", "António José Rodrigues Rebelo", "Kalubovitiyana Soratha Thero" and "Yasser Jaamour" for taking the time to respond to my question. Your expertise has been greatly appreciated!
Yes, online games in classrooms help develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They engage students, present real-life challenges, provide immediate feedback, and encourage collaboration. This makes learning more interactive and effective.
While online games integrated into classroom settings can potentially enhance problem-solving skills and critical thinking, there are several challenges and drawbacks to consider:
Distraction and Overstimulation: Online games can sometimes be more engaging than the educational content itself, leading to students focusing more on the game aspect rather than the learning objectives. This can result in decreased attention to traditional learning methods and potential overstimulation.
Equity and Access: Not all students have equal access to the necessary technology, such as computers, tablets, or high-speed internet. This digital divide can create disparities in learning opportunities and outcomes, disadvantaging students from lower-income backgrounds.
Superficial Learning: While games can simulate real-world problems, the scenarios are often simplified and may not capture the full complexity of real-life situations. This can lead to superficial understanding rather than deep, meaningful learning and critical thinking.
Dependency on Technology: Over-reliance on online games for educational purposes can reduce students' ability to solve problems and think critically without the aid of technology. This dependency might hinder the development of independent problem-solving skills.
Implementation Challenges: Integrating online games effectively into the curriculum requires careful planning, resources, and training for educators. Without proper implementation, the potential benefits of online games may not be fully realized, and the focus could shift away from educational goals.
Potential for Negative Behavior: Online games can sometimes encourage negative behaviors such as excessive competitiveness or aggressive interactions, which may not be conducive to a collaborative and positive learning environment.
Considering these factors, it is important to weigh the potential benefits of integrating online games into classroom settings against the possible drawbacks and challenges to ensure that they are used effectively and equitably to enhance learning.