The Importance of Digital Games in Education
The use of digital games has become an urgent necessity in education, especially with the accelerating technological development. They are no longer just a means of entertainment, but a fundamental gateway for the cognitive and skill development of children. Their importance is particularly evident for those with learning disabilities, as digital games are superior to traditional teaching methods in attracting their attention.
Digital Games as a Tool for Skill Development
Digital games contribute to the development of a wide range of skills in students. By integrating learning with entertainment, they make the child more active and interactive. They also increase students' comprehension and develop thinking and problem-solving skills.
The skills that digital games develop include:
* Creative Thinking: Digital games contain basic and higher-order thinking skills. They also help stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving for those with mathematical difficulties.
* Problem Solving: Digital games are an effective way to develop problem-solving skills, as they promote competition and the desire to reach correct solutions with minimal effort and time. They also work to strengthen the spirit of teamwork and enhance communication among students.
* Cognitive Skills and Self-Learning: Digital games help develop cognitive skills and self-learning, and stimulate focus and attention.
The Effectiveness of Digital Games in Supporting Learners with Disabilities
Studies have shown that digital games lead to a significant improvement in those with mathematical learning disabilities. This is because these children prefer visual communication over verbal instruction. Research has proven that digital games work to improve creative thinking and problem-solving skills for this group, which contributes to lowering their levels of mathematical learning disabilities. In addition, these games enhance students' self-confidence as a result of their success in completing tasks.
Criteria for Designing Educational Digital Games
To achieve the maximum benefit from educational games, they must be designed according to specific criteria. The most important of these criteria are:
* Clarity of Objectives: The operational objectives to be achieved from the game must be defined.
* Content Attractiveness: The game must be attractive and fun to motivate the learner.
* Interactivity: The game must provide a high degree of interactivity.
* Providing Support and Reinforcement: The game must provide immediate feedback to students and help them solve the problems they face.
