If you often underestimate the power of gamification when it comes to studying, this article will show you many ways how to benefit from it. Many PlayStation games are more than just a way to relax and have fun. They can make learning more enjoyable by introducing elements of fun, competition, and challenge. Students get the additional motivation to engage with the material, especially when it comes to complex concepts that are difficult to understand.
One of the main goals of our society today is saving time and spending every minute effectively. Paradoxically enough, you sometimes might learn faster about chemical reactions while playing a game than from reading a textbook. Students are always looking for alternatives to time-consuming approaches to getting new knowledge and managing their assignments. That is why they can hire a professional writer and ask them, “Help me do my assignment for me,” when they have a busy schedule. Therefore, PlayStation games can also be one such attractive alternative to the usual studying process. Here are some examples of how they can make education more engaging.
Mastering all academic subjects at once can be rather challenging. While students can do well in math and physics, they may need to spend some extra effort to reach the same level in history and geography. That is when PlayStation games can help them shift their attention to these subjects and explore them in depth.
Even though it may sound a little farfetched, PlayStation games can help students deepen their knowledge in arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and calculus. Some mathematical concepts might be difficult to understand without using spatial thinking and 3D modeling. On top of that, games that present mathematical challenges requiring logical thinking and creative solutions can help improve problem-solving skills.
Number Munchers, Math Blaster: In Search of Lost Learning, Portal.
Learning how the world we are surrounded by works is always fascinating but not always easy. How does genetics work? What chemical reactions are the most widespread? What do you need to know about concepts like motion, forces, energy, and matter? You can get answers to these questions, conduct virtual experiments, and observe results when playing games. It may sound too good to be true but don’t let these doubts stand in your way to getting valuable knowledge.
Astro Bot Rescue Mission, The Order: 1886.
Reading a history textbook has one notable disadvantage - it is hard to understand the sequence of historical events. Also, it might be difficult to grasp the context of major historical events and comprehend their significance. Games that explore different cultures, traditions, and their contributions to history can help students overcome these obstacles.
Assassin's Creed series, Civilization series, Total War series.
Having strong writing skills is an essential part of academic success. No matter what major you choose, you will need to write numerous papers. Therefore, games that enhance writing skills, grammar, and creative expression might come in handy. After all, it is more exciting to learn grammar rules through interactive exercises instead of long and difficult-to-follow guidelines.
Professor Layton series, Scribblenauts series, Telltale Games series.
Apart from concentrating on specific subjects, students can use games as an engaging tool for improving various competencies.
Games, where you need to solve puzzles, riddles, or challenges, improve your logic and bring out hidden creativity. Additionally, strategy games can help you strengthen your decision-making and resource management.
The Witness, The Legend of Zelda series.
Creativity is much more than thinking outside the box. It is also about artistic expression, experimentation, and exploration of the world, even if it is an artificially created one. Modern games give you the chance to build your own worlds and showcase your creative skills, including composing and performing music.
Minecraft, Dreams, LittleBigPlanet series.
One of the goals of education is to help students use logical reasoning to solve specific problems they get assigned and overcome obstacles in real-world situations. Therefore, learning how to find the right solution while playing an exciting game has the same logic behind it. First, you learn how to do it in a game, then you can apply this experience in real life.
Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments, Tetris Effect.
You need to memorize a lot of information while studying in school. You can improve your memory by learning poems or using a gamification approach. Memory games that ask you to recall information or match pairs help you focus on developing your cognitive functions.
Lumines, Tetris Effect.
Emotional development is as important as cognitive one. Emotional intelligence has proven to be one of the key skills that help you build relationships with others and achieve professional goals. Many games help players develop social skills and decision-making abilities in a safe environment.
Overcooked, Unravel, Journey.
Let’s also explore different game genres and the way they can bring the education process to the next level.
While it’s impossible (for now, at least) to go back in time and make different life choices to see where each of them leads, it is possible to do the same scientific experiments over and over again. It is especially fun to do in a simulation game where you can make mistakes all the time without facing the unpleasant consequences of the experiment going completely the wrong way. Simulation games often involve complex systems and mechanics that are difficult to recreate in real life. You can practice skills in a controlled environment and solve problems to develop critical thinking.
The Sims, Cities: Skylines, Farming Simulator.
This is a match made in heaven because it makes learning more engaging and enjoyable. Such games can focus on various subjects to help students work on specific areas of their academic excellence. They require players to solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and apply their knowledge in a fun and interactive way.
Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Ratchet and Clank, Scribblenauts Unlimited, National Geographic: World Explorer
As you can see, PlayStation games can help you learn without stress. Even though they can’t be a complete substitute for a standard educational approach, they can become a nice addition to it.
