As an increasing number of parents choose to home educate their children, the question of what materials to use is becoming more and more important. Video game curriculum is an emerging and exciting option for parents looking to give their children an interactive and captivating learning experience, as well as an effective education overall. Parents considering pursuing this route should be aware of the various advantages and disadvantages, and may find the following information useful.
This article seeks to explore 10 reasons why you should homeschool your kid with video game curriculum.
What is Video Game Curriculum?
Video game curriculum is, as the name implies, an educational program based on video games, as opposed to other non-interactive educational materials such as textbooks, worksheets, lectures, or videos. It typically involves playing (or constructing) specially-designed video games as part of the learning process.
Some programs include additional activities such as study notes, introductory classes and quizzes, while others are solely based on video games. Video game curriculum is increasingly popular and is currently used by a growing number of educators, though more research is needed in order to determine its efficacy.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Video Game Curriculum?
Video game curriculum has a number of potential benefits for homeschooling families, as well as some drawbacks. On the plus side, video game curriculum can be a much more engaging and enjoyable form of education than traditional methods. It can also help to stimulate a student’s creativity, as well as teach them valuable problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the interactive nature of video games promotes active learning and can be particularly beneficial for visual learners. However, video game curriculum also has some potential drawbacks.
It may be difficult to integrate into a well-rounded education, as some games may focus too heavily on a single subject or topic. Additionally, video games are typically considered to be merely leisure activities, and some parents may be concerned that too much video game curriculum may be detrimental to a child’s development.
Furthermore, certain games may contain content deemed inappropriate for certain ages or school environments.
Why Should You Homeschool With Video Game Curriculum?
Now that we’ve discussed the basics of video game curriculum, let’s explore 10 reasons why you should consider homeschooling with video game curriculum.
1.Engaging Learning Environment
Video game curriculum encourages active learning and engagement in the material. As opposed to reading from a textbook or simply listening to a lecture, video games allow for real-time exploration and strategising. This can be a refreshing way to learn and can make it easier to remember and master complex concepts.
2.Improve Problem-Solving Skills
Video game curriculum is designed to challenge players and require them to problem-solve in order to progress. This encourages critical thinking and creativity, which are valuable tools for any student.
Furthermore, as students become more experienced with video game curriculum, they may be able to transfer these problem-solving skills to other areas of their lives.
3.Tailor the Curriculum to your Kid’s Goals and Interests
One of the benefits of homeschooling is that parents can easily tailor the curriculum to their child’s individual needs and interests. With video game curriculum, each student can choose the games that most appeal to them and focus on their particular goals.
This is an effective way to ensure that their education remains challenging and stimulating.
4. Increased Motivation
Video game curriculum can be a great way to motivate a student to learn. As opposed to traditional learning materials, video games can be exciting and captivating, which can make it easier for students to stay focused and engaged in the material. Furthermore, most video games also contain some form of reward system which can also help to incentivise learning.
5. Introduces New Technologies
Video game curriculum provides an excellent introduction to the latest technologies and can ensure that students stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving world of technology. Additionally, this can also help to develop a stuident’s ability to comprehend cultural changes and trends.
6. Helps Learn Mathematics
Video game curriculum can also be useful for teaching mathematics. As many video games require players to calculate complex equations or analyse data in order to progress, homeschooling with video games can be an effective way to help students learn and understand mathematical concepts.
7. Enhances Team Working Skills
Some video games are designed to be played in groups, which can be a great way to encourage teamwork and develop social skills. This is particularly beneficial for students who do not attend a traditional school, as it can provide an excellent opportunity to work together and learn to collaborate with others.
8. Helps Develop Independent Learning Skills
Video game curriculum can also help students to develop independent learning skills. As students are required to play certain games on their own, they can learn how to think logically and make decisions without having to rely on the assistance of a teacher.
9. Allows Students to Learn at their Own Pace
Video game curriculum is typically designed with a variety of difficulty levels, allowing students to progress at their own pace and in their own time. Instead of having to keep up with an entire class, homeschooling with video game curriculum allows students to take the time they need to fully absorb the subject material.
10. Can be Incorporated into Other Lesson Plans
Finally, video game curriculum does not have to be used as the primary source of education. It can also be incorporated into other lesson plans, allowing for more flexibility and creativity. Video game curriculum can be used as a supplement to regular course work or as another way to explore a particular topic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a number of potential benefits to homeschooling with video game curriculum. Video game curriculum can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable, as well as introduce students to the latest technologies and help them build valuable skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking.
Parents considering homeschooling with video game curriculum should first understand both the benefits and drawbacks of this form of learning, and be aware of the potential risks. With the right guidance and structure video game curriculum can provide a surprisingly effective education.