Can video games make me smart?

Video games are a fun escape for many people. In fact around 150 million Americans play video games. The great advancement of technology has allowed for many platforms of video games to be played on. Everything from once having a billion cables connecting your game console to your to TV, to the ability of being able to play a game in a screen that fits in the palm of your hands. Technology has made video games more accessible. Because of this certain educators at school have begun to use video games as a from to help students understand the material and help strengthen students critical thinking ability.

Now think about the benefits of the video game. You usually play a video game for an ending result, which usually entails receiving a reward at the end of your mission. The solemn fact of your "hard work" of strategizing through out the game has gotten you a victory in the end. That victory has given you a rewarding feeling, which acts as the driving force for the person to continue to play the video game. If students are getting rewards and seeing their progress they may feel like they need to play more of the game. Ultimately acting as a type of "tutoring agent"if you will.

However, another important development that is in the works by developers includes, figuring out ways that could improve attention skills in kids with ADHD, and help recovering stroke victims. The question remains, in terms of the effectiveness of the video games? Does it really help with improving and developing a students cognitive ability? Or could educators be potentially opening up the door to the possibility of addiction?

Would you let your child use video games in order to help them learn in school?

Sources:
Ault, Alicia. "Video Games and Learning." CQ Researcher, 12 Feb. 2016, pp. 145-68, library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2016021200.