How Playing a Video Game is So Experientially Different Than Sitting in a Parent’s Lap

Playing video games and sitting in a parent’s lap may seem like two very different experiences, but they actually share many similarities. Both can be incredibly engaging and enjoyable, and both can provide valuable learning opportunities for children. However, there are also some key differences between the two that make playing video games unique. In this article, we will explore the experiential differences of playing video games and sitting in a parent’s lap, and why these differences make video games such a powerful tool for education.

Why Video Games are So Different Than Sitting in a Parent’s Lap

The first difference between playing video games and sitting in a parent’s lap is the level of control that each experience offers to the child. When sitting in a parent’s lap, the child is passive, simply observing and listening to what the parent is saying or doing. On the other hand, playing video games requires active participation and decision-making on the part of the child.

Playing video games also offers a level of immersion that is not possible in real life. In a video game, the child becomes an active participant in the story, able to explore new environments, meet new characters, and make choices that affect the outcome of the game. This sense of immersion can be incredibly powerful, as it allows children to engage with the material on a deeper level and better understand complex concepts.

Another key difference between playing video games and sitting in a parent’s lap is the level of feedback and guidance that each experience provides to the child. When sitting in a parent’s lap, the child is given constant feedback and guidance from the parent. This can be helpful for learning new skills and understanding complex concepts, but it can also limit the child’s ability to learn by trial and error.

In contrast, playing video games provides a level of feedback and guidance that is tailored to the individual child’s needs and abilities. Video games can provide immediate feedback on actions taken by the player, as well as more subtle guidance in the form of hints and tips. This allows children to learn by trial and error while still receiving the support they need to progress.

Case Studies and Personal Experiences

One great example of how playing video games can be used for educational purposes is the use of gamification in language learning. In a study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, researchers found that students who played a video game that incorporated language learning tasks performed better on language tests than those who did not play the game. This is because the game provided immediate feedback and guidance to the students, as well as creating a sense of immersion that allowed them to engage more deeply with the material.

Another example comes from a personal experience of one of the authors of this article. When she was young, her parents encouraged her love of reading by sitting with her in their living room and reading books together. While this was a great way to bond with her parents and develop a love of reading, it also limited her ability to learn at her own pace. She would often have to wait for her parents to finish reading a book before she could start the next one, which could be frustrating when she wanted to move on to something else.

However, when she started playing video games, she found that she was able to engage with the material in a way that felt more personalized and responsive to her needs. She could progress at her own pace, taking breaks when she needed to or asking for hints when she was struggling. This allowed her to develop a love of learning that has stayed with her throughout her life.

Research and Experiments

There is a growing body of research that supports the idea that playing video games can be an effective tool for education. For example, a study conducted by the University of Colorado found that students who played educational video games performed better on tests than those who did not play the games. This is because the games provided immediate feedback and guidance to the students, as well as creating a sense of immersion that allowed them to engage more deeply with the material.

Another study conducted by the University of Oxford found that playing video games can be used to teach programming skills to children. In this study, children who played a game that taught programming concepts performed better on tests than those who did not play the game. This is because the game provided immediate feedback and guidance to the children, as well as creating a fun and engaging environment for learning.

Real-Life Examples

One real-life example of how video games can be used for educational purposes is the use of video games in science education. For example, many science games are designed to teach players about different scientific concepts, such as physics or biology. These games often provide immediate feedback and guidance to the player, as well as creating a fun and engaging environment for learning.

Another real-life example comes from the use of video games in history education.