Find out how digital games were integrated into teaching practices during the pandemic and how they interfere with the teaching-learning process
Previously seen as just entertainment, digital games are currently emerging as a valuable educational tool, helping young people find purpose in knowledge and take an active role in their learning.
With the aim of exploring this theme, the master’s student Alcione Deliberalli, of the course Emerging Technologies in Education from MUST University, under the guidance of professor Zoraia da Silva Assunção, conducted a study that offers an in-depth analysis of the use of educational digital games in the teaching-learning process, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2020 and 2022.
The research, of a documentary and bibliographic-analytical nature, used various sources, including books, articles, dissertations and theses, in order to broadly explore the subject.
The influence of the pandemic
Unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools and universities around the world to quickly adapt to remote and hybrid learning.
This research in question had the main objective of analyzing how educational digital games were integrated into teaching practices during this critical period. The study’s guiding questions included:
- What changes were necessary due to COVID-19 for the implementation of digital communication and information technologies (TDCIs) in teaching?
- How has the use of digital games evolved during the pandemic?
- What educational tools were successful in the teaching process?
Evolution of digital games in the education scenario
According to the research, during the pandemic, the use of educational digital games increased significantly. These games were used not only as learning tools, but also as means to personalize teaching and make the learning process more dynamic and engaging.
Examples of games mentioned in the research in question included Minecraft and Legend of the Hero, which were successful in promoting meaningful learning. Puzzle games were also mentioned, as they involve solving puzzles and logical challenges, helping to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the classroom.
Strategy games involve making strategic decisions in real time, helping to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Finally, language learning games help students learn a foreign language by practicing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
According to one of the sources, Silva & Rocha (2019), educational digital games have several benefits in the teaching and learning process. These can help improve information retention, as students are more engaged and motivated to learn, as well as encouraging cognitive skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and decision making.
Challenges and limitations
Despite the benefits, the use of educational digital games faces significant challenges. Teacher training is one of the fundamental points for the effective use of these tools.
According to Kawamura, (2017), another important aspect to be considered is the accessibility of educational digital games, as not all students have access to the electronic equipment and internet necessary to play them. Therefore, it is important that teachers offer alternatives to those who do not have these resources.
The fact is that many educators, especially during the rapid transition imposed by the pandemic, had little or no experience with online teaching and did not feel prepared for this change. Furthermore, the lack of access to appropriate technologies in some regions and the difficulty of evaluating the impact of games on student learning were some obstacles.
Teacher training is essential
The study concluded that educational digital games played an important role in reducing the educational gap caused by the pandemic. They have proven effective in personalizing teaching and engaging students. However, to maximize its potential, it is necessary to invest in teacher training and ensure equitable access to quality technologies.
Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly transformed the educational landscape, requiring rapid and innovative adaptations. This study, therefore, highlighted how educational digital games can be powerful tools to support and enrich the teaching-learning process, offering valuable insights for educators, researchers and educational policymakers.
The journey of adaptation and innovation continues, and exploring the possibilities of digital games in education promises to bring even more advances and benefits to student learning.
Through engaging and educational content, teachers can spark curiosity in children and increase their interest, resulting in academic success.
Ultimately, investing in educational digital games and teacher training can revolutionize learning, providing a more dynamic and effective education for future generations.
Read the full study published in MUST Reviews, volume X, starting on page 183.
