How Video Games, Streaming Platforms, and Passion Hold the Key to Revolutionizing Education
In a recent TED-talk, Kris Alexander, a professor of video game design, recounted his own university experience where playing a video game during class helped him focus, learn, and participate better. This seemingly counterintuitive approach led him to explore the potential of video games in enhancing the learning experience. As it turns out, there’s a lot that video games can teach the world of academia.
The Science of Learning and Video Games
Alexander explained that humans process information in three core ways: audio, text, and video. The effectiveness of learning is heightened when two or more of these channels are combined. However, cognitive overload can occur when these channels are not used complementarily, hindering the transfer of information from working memory to long-term memory.
Video games, with their complex blend of audio, text, video, and interactivity, can focus attention and motivate learners. The enjoyment factor can enhance the learning process and boost engagement, making video games a valuable tool in the classroom.
From Game Theory to Life Lessons
Using video games to teach subjects like history, sexism, racism, corporate culture, and tokenism, Alexander creates a unique and immersive learning environment for his students. He believes effective instruction merges theory and practice, and he incorporates a variety of video games to match game theory and life lessons.
Embracing Online Instruction
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced education online, many schools struggled to adapt. However, Alexander found inspiration in unlikely places, such as YouTube streams, Netflix programming, and Amazon’s Twitch. These platforms demonstrated effective online engagement, capturing the attention of millions of motivated learners.
Twitch, an online streaming platform primarily known for video game content, has also become a hub for learning a variety of skills. Alexander leverages this platform to teach esports broadcasting, helping students learn how to professionally present themselves online using free software like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). Schools can use the same engagement techniques used on Twitch to captivate students online and provide a more dynamic learning experience.
Clear Objectives in Education
Alexander highlights the need for clear objectives in education, just like video games. With more than half of graduates not landing jobs in their field of study, the current educational system is failing to guide students to their desired destinations. Alternative, low-cost educational pathways offered by companies like Google and Epic Games provide clearer objectives and direct connections to high-paying job opportunities.
A New Era of Teaching and Learning
Video games and their technologies are embedded in various industries, from dentistry to psychology and broadcast production. By incorporating the engaging components of video games into classroom instruction, educators can better connect with their students, who are part of the roughly three billion video game players worldwide.
The next generation of teachers needs to connect students’ passions with their future professions, providing a clear line of sight to their goals. By embracing the power of video games, streaming platforms, and passion-driven learning, educators can revolutionize the educational experience and help students unlock their full potential.
The Cognitive Benefits of Gaming
In addition to the potential of video games in education, Alexander highlights a 2022 study that suggests playing video games is associated with heightened cognition, faster reaction times, improved working memory, and modified cortical networks. These cognitive benefits further emphasize the untapped potential of video games in education and personal development.
A Holistic Approach to Education
To truly revolutionize education, it’s essential to understand and cater to the diverse learning styles and preferences of students. This means adopting a holistic approach that not only incorporates video games and technology but also recognizes the value of traditional and alternative learning methods.
By blending the most engaging aspects of video games with other instructional techniques, educators can create an environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. This would allow students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Preparing for the Future
As the world continues to evolve, the importance of adaptable, passion-driven learning cannot be overstated. By integrating video games and other engaging technologies into education, schools can better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Embracing this new era of teaching and learning will require a shift in mindset from both educators and students. However, the potential benefits — increased engagement, clearer objectives, and more effective online instruction — make it a worthwhile endeavor. By harnessing the power of video games, streaming platforms, and passion, education can level up to meet the demands of the 21st century
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