Instructional subject-driven games are ideal for engaging and motivating gamers with course contents on all types of subjects. Most gamers believe educational games are entertaining and very accommodating. For some students, these innovative instructional tools are not just enlightening competitions but also effective quizzing and reviewing exercises. It is no hidden truth that many of our gamers feel lectures are sometimes boring. That said, many students adore lectures, but their attention span is just short living. For both of the aforementioned groups, educational games are a better and more fitting alternative. Didactic games are exciting, provide several perspectives and present the lessons in different forms and styles. These informative games arouse critical thinking and reflection in all our kids. Educational games take into consideration different learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic and linguistic) and all types of natural limitations. Instructional games are transparent to age (young or elderly) and allow the participation of various classes of players (students, parents, teachers, girls, boys, etc.). Research consistently depicts that the competitive and challenging characteristic of games makes them enjoyable, fun and motivating (Malone, 1981; Malone & Lepper, 1987). The applied and dynamic nature of these fun-enriched, entertaining learning channels can heighten the learner’s motivation and interest more effectively than classroom lectures (Greenblat, 1981, p. 147). Another renowned author asserted that a great benefit of instructional games is that they improve the retention of learned skills and knowledge (Pierfy, 1977).
I believe games are here to stay. Advances in technology will enable the creation of effective instructional games, our mind’s eye can even frame. My reverie is to see a day where each and every one of our children will boast their virtual classroom with an amalgam of instructional resources based on their personal distinct natural aptitudes…
By Manfred Njang Ayuk
