Computer games can be a lot of fun, but they can bring about more benefits than just letting games have a blast. Research has shown that educational computer games can significantly improve students’ brain functions, cognitive skills, and academic performance. They also help with the retention of acquired knowledge.
We have selected the top 5 educational computer games that are fun to play and practice advancing your cognitive skills. Take a look and test them one at a time to find out which one you end up enjoying most of all.
Minecraft
Minecraft is known as a multiplatform sandbox game. Players can develop and explore their own virtual world, which is a complex process requiring well-developed creative thinking and planning skills. As they navigate through the world they created, they need to think spatially, build complex structures, solve multiple problems and puzzles, and sustain their creation.
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Starcraft
Starcraft is an engaging game in which aliens fight to take control of everything and everyone. Essentially, it is a science-fiction game. Players need to resort to smart strategies to be able to beat their opponents. But it’s not just about battle or fighting skills.
You need to be adept at resource management to be able to construct various units. Research has shown that those who play Starcraft on a regular basis have managed to boost their brain functions and adaptation skills. Adaptation is one of the key skills you need in today’s fast-changing environment, whether it be your academic studies or professional life.
This is another space battle program, simulating fights against aliens known as the Kerbais. To succeed, your task is to build a complex spacecraft with multiple units. But this is no easy task. Players need to have a good grasp of physics, aerodynamics, and complex calculations to pull it off.
If players do not have well-developed skills in the above fields, they are induced to start building or refining them.
Civilization 6
Civilization 6 is a turn-based strategy game in which players take turns to play the game. Players are required to build their civilizations. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? You are given the tools and resources to embark on a long, complex, and exciting journey of developing and managing a civilization from ancient times to modern days.
The entire process is fraught with conflicts and fights for resources. The game stimulates critical thinking, planning, and decision-making skills. It provides additional proof that video games in education are effective and help advance analytical, planning, and creative thinking skills. You need to draw on all these skills to use technology to emerge as a winner.
Scratch
Scratch is a visual programming language. Users can develop their own games and animations with the help of Scratch. This is a free open network developed by MIT. It is designed to help players practice their reasoning and quick-thinking skills.
Players can develop their own games, stories, and animations. Teachers use Scratch to stimulate their students to think logically, critically, and creatively. The game also serves as a handy introduction to computer programming.
Key Takeaways
The five educational computer games we have reviewed will help you advance your planning, logical thinking, analytical and critical thinking, and creative thinking skills. You won’t go wrong by choosing any of the five. What’s more, you can have lots of fun playing them, whether you decide to go solo or take turns with your friends.
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Ruby Butz is a long-time writer, education specialist, and technology guru. She has been exploring the pros and cons of computer games designed to stimulate students’ cognitive and creative skills. Ruby’s assessments are unbiased, fact-based, and practical, making her very popular among high school and college students.