| | NOVEMBER 20238IN MY OPINION IntroductionIn today's ever-demanding educational landscape, the early and effective integration of technology and embracement of innovative teaching methods has become paramount towards securing the solvency of our national economy and leadership status on the world stage. A call for enrichment, beyond just improvement of the educational system, is currently underway. In a significant answer to this call, educational games are emerging as catalysts for student achievement in elementary grades. In this article, we consider the transformative potential of educational games while acknowledging their challenges and compiling some guidance on their seamless integration into the elementary school curriculum.Enhancement Via Educational GamesWhen it comes to active learning, educational games stimulate elementary students to become active participants in their education. Through hands-on interaction, students grasp intricate concepts more effectively. This motivates and engages students; by capturing their minds, educational games foster a thirst for knowledge. With some games, students reimagine learning as a thrilling adventure, which motivates them to explore and discover.Many educational games present students with challenges, puzzles, and dilemmas that necessitate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This not only augments academic performance but also nurtures essential life skills. The ability to differentiate the deliverables, personalizing the learning based on students' progress and/or academic needs, and educational games can adapt content delivery, ensuring each learner receives custom-tailored material that bridges learning gaps and fosters achievement.A key aspect in any educational setting is providing instant feedback, whereas educational games enable students to learn from their mistakes and rectify them on the spot. This iterative process enhances comprehension and mastery of the material. Alongside instant feedback, the potential for peer-to-peer review or positive reciprocation via multiplayer educational games promotes teamwork and collaboration, preparing students for real-world interactions and fostering a sense of camaraderie among peers.Shortcomings of Educational GamesWhile embracing educational innovation, potential challenges must be understood and addressed in planning and implementing educational games in an instructional setting. There may be instances of overdependence on technology, detracting from critical non-digital activities such as physical exercise and face-to-face social interaction. As an example, allowing for excessive screen time can lead to over-dependence. At times, especially if the content was not tailored to the student's needs, recent experiences have exemplified a lack of learning and engagement on behalf of students. When the use of educational games is not carefully and purposefully planned, this can be considered a misuse of technology. Inadequate content quality can also lead to missed opportunities. The variability in the quality of educational games necessitates careful curation to ensure alignment with academic rigor and intended learning outcomes.THE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT: THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL GAMESBy Juan Garcia, Director of Curriculum and instruction, Salinas City Elementary School DistrictJuan Garcia
< Page 7 | Page 9 >