When I was in high school, history class was a real snoozefest. The reading, lectures, and memorization made it hard to enjoy. I knew there had to be a better way to learn history and all subjects, to make them more relatable to students like me. So, when I was in college, I came up with an idea that would change the world as I saw it. That idea turned into the award-winning physical card game, Historical Conquest. Fast forward 20 years, and it's clear that we're still searching for new ways to grab students' interest in all subjects. Fortunately, technology holds the key to solving this issue.
Psychology and educational research have known for over 30 years that the average student retains only 10-20% of what they learn from reading or lectures. However, they retain 70-80% of the information they learn through activities and games. This is because students have a vested interest in the information they learn through these interactive methods. Brain science has also shown that imagery, flashy colors, and special effects engage the brain at a higher rate than traditional methods. The use of technology in education allows us to harness these principles and create a more effective learning environment.
Technology provides the means to engage students in multiple ways, catering to their individual learning styles. Visual, kinesthetic, aural, social, solitary, verbal, and logical learning methods can all be fulfilled through technology. It's crucial to provide students with resources that allow them to learn in various ways, matching their interests and engaging them at their level. With the multitude of resources available online, it's important for educators to identify the most effective tools for their students.
To find the most effective ways for students to learn, ask yourself some questions. What do your students do in their free time? Are they reading, writing, watching videos, playing games, or engaging in outdoor activities? If they're online, what are they watching or playing? Matching their interests with engaging educational materials is key to effective teaching. Pay attention to the types of games they play, ensuring they align with their age level and promote learning.
Games have proven to be highly effective in increasing retention, with students often playing the same game repeatedly, creating useful repetition in learning. Additionally, technology can address the issue of social isolation among students. Rather than viewing technology as the cause of social problems, it can be leveraged as a solution. Games that promote social interaction, both online and offline, can help students develop social skills and combat feelings of isolation.
Furthermore, technology can address the social and emotional well-being of students. While it's true that excessive computer use has led to increased isolation and feelings of depression, technology can also be a tool for building emotional resilience. Programs that track feelings, promote gratitude, and encourage acts of service can help students develop a strong emotional foundation to navigate the challenges they face.
Tracking progress is crucial for improvement, and technology allows for comprehensive monitoring of student performance. Gamification, introducing competition into educational activities, can motivate students to excel. Whether competing against others or striving to beat their own scores, students naturally desire improvement. With technology, educators can track both academic progress and understanding, empowering students to outdo themselves and fostering a desire for continuous improvement.
Of course, safety is a paramount concern when it comes to students using technology. Parents and educators must ensure that students are protected from inappropriate content and potential online threats. By implementing systems that limit students' contact to approved individuals, technology can provide a safe environment for learning and interaction. Verification processes and monitoring can help ensure the security of students' online experiences.
At Xogos Gaming Inc, we have developed a system that addresses these concerns and more. Our platform emphasizes the gamification of all K-12 subjects and does it in a way that reverses the negative effects of technology. With this, we can help our students overcome Mental Health issues such as anxiety, depression, isolationism, and more. Stay tuned for my next article on how technology can solve these issues.
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XOGOS' GAMING PLATFORM MISSION STATEMENT
At Xogos Gaming, our mission is to reverse the detrimental impact of technology on youth in grades K-12, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, isolationism, etc. We are committed to utilizing the power of video games to support students in all subjects of school, equipping them with coping mechanisms, fostering low-pressure learning environments, and nurturing excellent social skills. Our ultimate goal is to incentivize young individuals to engage in activities beyond their devices, promoting a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.
Our Approach:
Comprehensive Support: We aim to provide comprehensive support to students, recognizing that their academic success goes hand-in-hand with their emotional well-being. Through our games, we create an interactive and engaging environment that facilitates learning while nurturing mental and emotional growth.
Holistic Learning: Our games are designed to address various subjects of school curricula, fostering a holistic approach to education. By integrating gameplay with educational content, we provide students with a fun and immersive learning experience that transcends traditional teaching methods.
Coping Mechanisms: Xogos Gaming believes in empowering students with effective coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges of the digital age. Our games incorporate mindfulness exercises, stress reduction techniques, and emotional resilience training to help students manage anxiety, depression, and other negative effects of technology.
Low-Pressure Learning: We recognize the need for students to learn in an environment free from excessive pressure and fear of failure. Our games create a safe space where students can explore and experiment, promoting a growth mindset and instilling a love for learning that extends beyond grades and performance metrics.
Nurturing Social Skills: In today's digital era, fostering healthy social interactions among students is crucial. Xogos Gaming encourages positive social skills through our platform’s messaging board, multiplayer game modes, collaborative problem-solving challenges, virtual communities where students can communicate and learn from one another, and incentivizing students to leave their devices to socialize with friends face-to-face instead of behind a screen.
Encouraging Balance: We understand the importance of balance in students' lives. While our games provide educational value, we also encourage and incentivize young individuals to explore activities beyond their devices. By promoting outdoor engagement, physical activity, and face-to-face interactions, we aim to create a harmonious integration of technology and real-life experiences.
Through our unwavering commitment to reversing the negative effects of technology, Xogos Gaming strives to empower and inspire the next generation. By leveraging the potential of games as a transformative tool for education and personal development, we envision a future where students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, equipped with the skills and resilience to navigate the challenges of the modern world.