Should Students Play Games in School?

My POV:

I think that allowing students to play games in school should be allowed. However, I do think that the game students play needs to at least have some sort of educational aspect to it. Technology is advancing in so many ways, and the use of software instructional games being incorporated in the classroom is gaining lots of attention. While some would argue the cons, I believe that the pros heavily outweigh them.First, I think that instructional games could enhance motivation as well as engagement in students. Many students are accustomed to the interactive and fast pace of video games. If students have this aspect of games but incorporated with learning, I think it would motivate them and keep them interested in class. Games can also help students participate in learning. If they have a "reward" from a game per say, they will have an extra incentive to learn and actively pay attention in class.Additionally, games encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills for students. Many educational games encourage students to think strategically, analyze complex situations, and make decisions under pressure. This could also be applied to real-world thinking as well. Games can also help social skills and foster collaboration in a group setting. Social skills are something that many would argue technology is hurting. While that is a valid point, it doesn't have to be the case in educational games. A group working together to complete a game can help student learn but also develop social skills. It is so important for students to become functioning adults who can work with a team. I think that games could benefit this need.Overall, I completely understand why some would be against games in school. With the way technology is rapidly developing combined with the fact students already have a high screen time, I understand the outlook some might have against instructional games. However, technology is not going anywhere, and as long as the games serve some sort of educational purpose, why not let the kids have a little fun in class. For many teachers I feel that it is impossible to compete with phones and keeping students off them. It hurts student's listening abilities, as well as their classroom focus. i think that incorporating games could be a way to combat this issue, as well as boost many aspects in the classroom as well.

My Response:Hi Jacob! I really enjoyed reading your post. I agree with everything you said, instructional games are such a good way to combat the problem teachers have of engaging students. While lectures are important, student's focus is at an all-time low. It is harder for them to absorb information when they are sitting in the same spot, in the same class every single day. Games provide a motivation and enjoyable way to get students engaged in learning, as you mentioned. While games could be a distraction, as some would argue, however, if they are utilized and done in the right way, the games would cause much more good than harm in my opinion.