Mens & Womens Health

Human learning evolved from barbaric growls to conventional schooling and now, to modern video games. History became the unvoiced witness throughout this evolution.

Sight and hearing are two of the major media for brain development. It was also found out that in using as many human senses as possible, learning and retention will be at their peak and there is no doubt that several teaching theories and methodologies were rooted from these concepts. From a certain book about human learning, it was said that learning curriculum incorporates play as one of its foundation. Thus, technology and video games might also play an essential part in brain development.

Brain areas related to words and letters, are obviously being developed through educational games. Other video games are concerned on numbers and puzzles. These games improve logical and numerical processing of the human brain.

However, recent studies show brain development even in other game genres like action and RPG. First is in cognition and perception. In games that require several tasks to be done simultaneously, concentration of gamers are being improved. Online games also enhance strategic thinking and informal scientific reasoning through discussion and online sharing of ideas. In some games like those in tactical genre, protecting camps, sneaking through enemies, and virtually participating in simulation of real-world activities also help to develop multi-tasking skills, focus, and agility.

Other areas of brain development caused by video games are in motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Games, especially in the action genre, require lots of hand and finger movement. Such movements can be achieved through proper hand-eye coordination. Eyes will transmit information to the brain, which will further process needed actions and coordinate with hands for proper execution. Playing video games can help in restoring motor skills and its rapid degradation because people tend to lose such skills as they grow older.

Video games are also being used to help in other areas of brain development. Studies are now being conducted to form solid foundation on how games can be used to treat emotional disorders like ADHD. It is also being studied that games can help in reducing spatial skills gap between male and female. Getting a video game like cheap stoked or used red faction would be prime examples to test these scenario’s.

Correct simulation and environment can cause the human brain to develop appropriately and to adapt in its present condition. One example of this is the case of a teen that is so adept in playing video games from each different genres. This case has been an interesting study because the teen was blind since birth and it shows neuroplasticity, or the capacity of the brain to create new associations between neural networks and rearrange itself to adjust with varying conditions. His present mastery that caused him to easily beat other players had evolved from playing classic games and through asking numerous questions, keyboard memorization, and patience. Finding a game like used lord of the rings conquest would be ideal to test this theory.

Though video games can also impose disadvantages, these undesirable effects can be avoided through proper guidance and support.