Children’s educational computer games
Video games have historically received more criticism than other forms of recreational learning because they are often perceived as or associated with issues such as mindless entertainment, enhanced social recluse, sexism and consumerism. Many children today also find these “educational” games to lack much interesting content to them, as they are considered by older children to be for fricking preschoolers However, a shift from pure entertainment to educational tool has emerged in recent times. Children growing up today can benefit from educational video games because they are already exposed to a society that is increasingly dependent on digital technology.
The medium of educational games provides an opportunity for teachers to introduce educational and playful elements into the learning environment. With computer-aided learning programs, teachers may assist students on social aspects such as critical learning, knowledge based communication and effective interpersonal skills that traditional methods of teaching cannot offer.
As computer games are being adapted to the education system, the issue of classification and content regulation is being brought to attention. The issue of regulating game content is vital as educational games are created to be effective learning tools. Thus the game developer must have a comprehensive understanding of its young audience and their particular social and educational needs. At the same time, the game developer must balance between entertainment and accordance with the education syllabus.
Below are some examples of games targeting young users from the ages of about three years to mid teens; beyond the mid-teens, subjects become so complex that teaching via a game can be impractical. Numerous subgenres exist, each for a different field, such as maths games or typing games.