| It is obvious that educational computer games are | | | | complexity which parallels a game advancing in level. |
| designed to enhance learning or perhaps even instruct. | | | | And feedback is accomplished by scoring and level |
| However, there is evidence that playing any type of | | | | advancement. Strategy planning is a huge element of |
| video game can improve a number of learning skills! | | | | problem solving and is necessary to be successful at |
| Observation Skills: While gaming you are highly | | | | a significant amount of games. |
| motivated to be observant. Being successful requires | | | | Vocabulary Development: Repitition, personal |
| you to be acutely aware of your virtual surroundings. | | | | relevance and imagery are key tools used to improve |
| When playing multi-player you need not only be aware | | | | vocabulary. Video games are innately rich in these |
| of your surroundings but simultaneously of the other | | | | qualities. Personal Relevance is particularly interesting |
| players actions. | | | | being that it is a virtual personal experience, but a |
| Reading and Spelling: Reading and spelling quickly and | | | | personal experience non the less! |
| accurately is necessary for success many games. | | | | Map Making and Reading Skills: These skills are |
| Frequent practice is the number one way to sharpen | | | | inevitably sharpened by using a small legend to |
| these skills. | | | | navigate around a vast virtual area which can include |
| Logical Thinking and Problem Solving: It has been | | | | different terrains using different types of transportation. |
| suggested that three essentials of improving cognitive | | | | Although the degree of skills sharpened will vary |
| skills are that the student be motivated, graduated and | | | | depending on the game, the fact remains, that playing |
| receive feedback. Video gaming lends itself to this | | | | video games can improve a number of learning skills. |
| strategy. Deliberate practice is key for motivation. | | | | These skills include observation skills, reading and |
| Allow me to assume here that players are willful | | | | spelling, logical thinking and problem solving, vocabulary |
| participants! Graduated refers to a gradual increase in | | | | development and map making and reading skills. |