Student after the release of the new game

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If you go looking for a young adult or child that doesn't like video games, you're probably going to have a tough time finding one. Gaming has become one of the fastest-growing hobbies that we've ever seen. In a world where new game releases are making international news (A new game from Epic Games, enraging Steam fans, perhaps?), should you try to draw your student (or yourself) away from them? The short answer is no. Though it certainly won't give you any free papers, video and computer games can be quite educational.

1. Rethink That It's Only For Kids
This is the first question that many young adults will be asking themselves: “Is it only for kids?” Sure, video games might have some educational qualities, but are they only geared towards young children? Not at all! Many of these same perks that children get from playing video games, those of any age can receive, as well. So don't let your age get in the way of your gaming time; you have just as much to gain here as any child does!

2. Use It to Build Social Skills
Social skills are a large part of our education, whether it's actually covered in the curriculum or not. It's a skill that everyone will need to function in the everyday world, both as a child and as an adult. While it might seem counterintuitive, video games can actually foster growth here. The stereotype of the loner alone in the basement is long gone. Now, in order to play the most popular games, you have to be willing to communicate and work with others in the online community. To use this, simply choose games where you play with others, rather than alone.

3. Learn Critical Thinking Through Gaming
Another vital skill taught by video games is critical thinking. Knowing how to think critically is a significant boost to your studies, even if the games you play have nothing to do with your major. “Will it help me grade my paper higher?” It certainly can! Knowing how to reason things to their proper conclusion or how to solve a difficult problem can help you in your schoolwork and in your average daily life. Puzzle games, even mobile games such as Candy Crush, can improve your critical thinking skills

4. Melt Away Stress By Playing
Sure, we could wax lyrical about how great games are for your education in terms of book smarts and studying. I'm sure there's a choice where you use a plagiarism checker and one where you sort through a free papers database. But there is more to life (and education) than free essays or endless Googling of “grade my peper.” Video games are fun! And, because they're so, they help relieve stress, which, obviously, isn't right for you or your education. Relieve it with a fun, relaxing gaming session.

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5. Learn Student-Led Learning Techniques Through Gaming
One of the biggest pushes we're seeing in modern education is the one for individualized learning. We're seeing that, when training is tailored towards the student, that person is usually able to perform better than his or her peers. That is one area in which video games are vastly ahead of the rest of the system. Normally, games allow you to play in your own way with your own styles and strategies. Choose games for your students or yourself that let you be in control; that way, you're putting the learner first!

6. Be Open to Learning New Skill Sets… Through Gaming
There are many skills that you can learn from video games. One of the more famous is hand-eye coordination; many surgeons practice by playing before heading into the operating room. Others teach coding and/or memory. Teamwork and critical thinking, mentioned above, are both absolutely crucial to learn. The best part is that you don't feel like you're being taught anything. The learning isn't a chore, it's a pleasure. This can be found by changing up the games that you play. Variety is key here.

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Video games don't have to be mind-draining and brain-rotting, like many people used to believe. Now, we're seeing that there are more reasons to play. These include helping students in the classroom. It's a worthwhile hobby that is educational, as well as fun.