Gaming apps like Minecraft, Among Us, and many others have revolutionised education by turning learning into an exciting adventure.
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YES
In today’s digital age, learning is no longer confined to textbooks and classrooms. Imagine mastering complex skills while building your own virtual world, solving mysteries with friends, or even navigating ancient civilisations — all through the power of video games.
Gaming apps like Minecraft, Among Us, and many others have revolutionised education by turning learning into an exciting adventure. These interactive platforms captivate young minds, making education not just informative but also immersive and fun. But are these games truly effective tools for learning?
While games like Minecraft encourage creativity, spatial reasoning, and teamwork by letting players build and explore virtual worlds, games like Among Us promote critical thinking and communication as players analyse behaviours to identify impostors. Beyond these, other games also support learning: Dragon Box introduces children to geometry, Spore teaches biology through evolution simulation, and language apps like Duolingo make mastering new languages engaging. Strategy games such as Civilization develop planning and decision-making skills, while simulators offer practical experience in safe environments.
Video games provide immediate feedback, adapt to individual learning speeds, and make abstract concepts tangible. Studies show that game-based learning enhances motivation and academic performance, making education both effective and enjoyable. In essence, video games transform learning into an interactive adventure that builds valuable cognitive and social skills.
Shishir K M, 15
Bengaluru, Karnataka
NO
Gaming apps are not effective tools for learning — they take away most of our precious time that god has given us. Using mobile phones or gaming apps for a long time can cause many health concerns. We all know mobile phones emit radiation. The bone marrow of a child absorbs almost 10 times more radiation than adults, it is said. So, if children use mobile phones or gaming apps for a long time, there is a higher risk to their health.
Gaming apps give children access to inappropriate content. Children can access the Internet for the wrong purposes, and download such content and share it via different applications including gaming apps. Parents must take extreme care to see that their children do not fall prey to negative thoughts and activities. This could affect their growth and outlook on the world at a young age.
Dust, dirt and germs tend to accumulate on mobile phones. This could also seriously affect the health of children.
Fingers could become stiff and numb due to excessive use of mobile gaming apps. Straining too much could cause neck pain. Inactivity could also lead to obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
However, there are some gaming apps that can help us to gain knowledge and study. But they should also be exercised with caution as some applications can contain harmful resources.
Atharva Phadnis, 13
Hubballi, Karnataka