Publish at October 16 2024 Updated October 16 2024
Online gaming isn't always unanimous. Technological advances affect all fields, and gaming is no exception. In this respect, should we be talking about evolution or decline with this new configuration of gaming practice?
Since the dawn of time, before the advent of digital technology, games have been part of our daily routine. From early childhood through adolescence and adulthood, the social factor has always been a key element in the practice of play. In reality, beyond the purely playful aspect, the strengthening of fraternal ties is possible through various games, as long as there is an encounter and sharing.
When it comes to education, platforms and other structures are becoming increasingly involved in the use of games for educational purposes. In this vein, the Lego foundation platform swears by play as an effective strategy for unlocking essential skills (physical, social, emotional, cognitive, creative).
Moreover, in the African context, IBA Fall sees a sacred dimension, depending on the players, the time of play and the objects used. He recalls that, in the past, games were developed according to the professional sector, which helped to improve skills in the practice of a trade. Shepherds, for example, used the stick game to work on orientation and even communication with the herd.
With the digitization of games, it's human beings who, behind a screen, through commands and according to their skills, play the game. This digital revolution has made it possible to spread ludic practices in various cultures, which are not always happy. Such is the case with online sports betting, which is causing controversy, especially in Africa, where, according to Niamey News, young people will have spent around 1,561 billion CFA francs by 2023.
Conversely, to a certain extent, other games guarantee social interaction, teamwork and cultural learning. In fact, there are games that feature several players, notably through family applications such as "heads-up" that promote online social interaction. In reality, adapting to increasing digitization does not spare the gaming world.
Just as it's now possible to trade remotely, it's also possible to play. You can keep in touch with a friend who lives thousands of miles away through a digital game.
It's true that technological progress doesn't always rhyme with evolution, especially in the gaming sector; in fact, despite differences of opinion, it's important to analyze every new development and be aware of its potential effects. As far as the digitization of games is concerned, the high exposure of children to blue light from screens and sedentary lifestyles can be mentioned. However, it seems just as sensible to note the benefits of games and the possibility of adapting them in a pedagogical context.
Flexibility in the educational context is a salutary path. If there is the possibility of learning through games, why not think about integrating it into the educational process. However, the selection of the right type of game, taking into account the context, the target audience and the culture, will have to be tough.
In this respect, epistemological predecessors have certainly thought that it's not always easy to combine play and pedagogy, as one dominates over the other (and vice versa) in practice. However, we need to adapt to change and reinvent ourselves on a daily basis. Whereas in the past, there were only a few famous video games, in 2024, there are more and more, and opportunities for reuse abound.
All in all, even if we have to recognize that the experience with conventional games is unique, because they are a guarantee of learning and social interaction, the digitization of games and the progressive proliferation of video games in some respects allow collaboration to continue. In this respect, we need to adapt to technological advances and work more on their didactization.
Illustration: AI-generated - Hermann Labou
Sources :
The digital gambling revolution
https://shs.cairn.info/revue-pouvoirs-2011-4-page-25?lang=fr
Learning through play: digital play | Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development (enfant-encyclopedie.com)
https://www.enfant-encyclopedie.com/apprentissage-par-le-jeu/selon-experts/le-jeu-numerique
Digital gaming-Collective intelligence
https://intelligence-collective.be/numerisation-des-jeux/
A World of Learning Through Play
https://learningthroughplay.com/
The educational dimension through myths, superstitions and games in traditional African society: the case of Senegal
https://publication.codesria.org/index.php/pub/catalog/download/606/1503/8668?inline=1
Sports betting: 1561 billion FCFA spent by African youth in 2023
http://news.aniamey.com/h/120875.html
Benefits of online video games for young gamers | Questions Internet (internetmatters.org)
https://www.internetmatters.org/fr/resources/online-gaming-advice/online-gaming-the-benefits/
Rethinking the integration of video games in schools. A few ideas put into perspective.
https://www.openscience.fr/IMG/pdf/iste_edu22v6n1_e.pdf
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