Video games in education? Are there actually any benefits? According to a research study conducted by Thierry Karsenti and Julien Bugmann (2017), yes, there are! In their action research study, Karsenti and Bugmann (2017) seek to explore the educational benefits of utilizing the popular video game, Minecraft, in the classroom. Before we dive in to the research study, let's learn more about what Minecraft is exactly for those who may be unfamiliar with the game. Now that we know more about what Minecraft is, let's talk about some of the benefits that were found in Karsenti and Bugmann's (2017) research study. This study was conducted in two schools in Canada, with 118 students in grades 3 through 6 participating. The researchers gathered data through the forms of surveys, individual and group interviews with students, teacher interviews, journals, direct observations, and student products. After collecting and analyzing the data, the researchers outlined a list of twenty-five benefits that were a result of Minecraft being utilized as an educational tool in the classrooms. Some of those benefits included “increased overall motivation toward school, . . . greater creativity, . . . improved reading skills, improved writing skills, . . . improved problem-solving skills, . . . development of math concepts, . . . improved social skills, . . . [and] improved inductive and deductive reasoning” (Karsenti & Bugmann, 2017, p. 178). However, the researchers did note that there were some obstacles to overcome in the utilization of Minecraft as an educational tool. Some of those obstacles faced included glitches in the technology, random disconnection of gaming devices, and students who did not have experience in playing the game previously. I have been fascinated with the prospect of using Minecraft to aid students in developing academic and 21st century skills in the classroom since I first heard the idea a couple years ago. While I have personally never played the game before, I do know that it remains an extremely popular game with students across various age and grade levels. I believe that any time educators can implement strategies and activities that their students find engaging and fun, that there will be an increase in positive effects in the students’ learning. Although I would need to study more about Minecraft and its functions and how to play, I think it would be a valuable and engaging tool to utilize in the classroom. Video games, like any other educational technology, should be a tool that is used in the classroom, not a replacement for instruction. As long as the game were to be used as a tool in the classroom, I can foresee the positive effects it could have on students’ academic learning, as well as in their development of 21st century skills, such critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborating. The video below from Edutopia discusses some ways in which Minecraft can be used as an educational tool. How might you use or how are you currently utilizing Minecraft, or video games in general, as educational tools in the classroom? I'd love to hear from you below! Keep Calm & Teach On, @ms_romine
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