Video games linked to academic achievement

Playing video games could help young people develop the communications and mental adaptability skills required to succeed at university.

A study by the University of Glasgow to assess the effects of playing video games on young people found that gaming can help develop the desired higher education skills sometimes referred to as ‘graduate attributes’.

Matthew Barr, a lecturer in Information Studies, discovered that playing video games actually improved student communication skills, resourcefulness and adaptability and may have a role to play in higher education.

Barr said, “The findings suggest that such game-based learning interventions have a role to play in higher education.

"Graduate attributes are those generic skills such as problem solving, communication, resourcefulness or adaptability which are considered desirable in graduates, particularly where employability is concerned.

“Modern video games often require players to be adaptable and resourceful, and finding multiple ways of accomplishing a task.

"The way games are designed often encourages critical thinking and reflective learning, commonly cited as desirable attributes in graduates".

Despite the links to games helping education, Barr believes there may be mixed reaction to his results.

He said, "My research is perhaps what every parent may or, in the case of some, may not like to hear.

“This work demonstrates that playing commercial video games can have a positive effect on communication ability, adaptability and resourcefulness in adult learners, suggesting that video games may have a role to play in higher education".

• Video Games
• university of glasgow