Today it is very important to educate children in the use of the internet, social networks and video games, as they may be exposed to some danger or not make proper use of technological tools. So you should show interest in their tastes to guide them in the best way. You can look for information about it, since sometimes some aspects related to the subject are unknown.

That is why I have been looking for information about some video games, since my son has been particularly interested in the game known as Minecraft, and I want to share with you some of the information that I found interesting.

Image edited in power point with images from the public domain:12

This type of game is known as free game or sandbox, its design is based on the metaphor of playing in a sandbox formed its sand world, where the box represents any delimited space where you play freely with the opportunity to explore, build and play, which distinguishes it from other open world video games.

Especially Minecraft, has been a very successful game, here the player can set their own goals, create their own experiences and stories, and possess various alternatives and possibilities to change the environment.

Now, how can this game help children? Some sandboxes have been used in educational environments as they encourage creativity and critical thinking.

In 2014 Microsoft bought the developer of Minecraft, for its potential application in the area of mathematics, science, engineering and technology, based on the fact that the game allows to develop the curiosity of children, then improved the version in its MINECRAFT: Education Version, an educational version to create and learn, where teachers and students have resources to work, and with the option for teachers to help and supervise students.

Image credit :wikipedia.com

Several studies have shown good results of the use in education of this type of games, for example, Sorathia and Servidio (2012) express "they offer a place for the empirical application of constructivist theory". They also highlight the ability to acquire different perspectives and go through different situations that allow them to acquire knowledge that can be applied in real life.

Its application in teaching is based on the fact that by not presenting a linearity or a specific purpose, it makes it easier for the teacher to shape the objectives pursued in class and thus create a learning environment and at the same time fun. As well as the social part is also added, since it is in contact with online players that can be included without establishing any kind of differences.

On the other hand, we must also take into account the criticisms that have arisen, among them, those related to the freedom offered by the game, so there is a risk that it becomes boring or the fact that the player does not have clear and fixed objectives is not enough for the game, since you must have a clear idea of what to do.

As we can see, video games can be useful for the education of children and young people, as long as they work with the appropriate programs and tools, and we adults guide them taking into account the necessary information about the type of games they show interest in.

Well friends, I hope you find the information useful, thanks for reading!

Referencias
_Videos Sandbox. Disponible en
_ Sorathia, K. & Servidio, R. (2012). “Learning and Experience: Teaching Tangible Interaction & Edutainment”. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 64, pp. 265-274.