Bridging the Gap - Using Gaming to Teach Problem-Solving and Resilience Skills

Attention, educators! This LinkedIn article is a must-read if you need help engaging students in learning. 

Maria Burns Ortiz , Co-Founder, and CEO of 7 Generation Games, discusses the transformational impact of educational gaming in teaching problem-solving and resilience skills in the latest episode of The High-Performance CEO.

With decades of experience in education and journalism, Maria's passion for empowering children to learn shines through her work in creating educational games to fill educational gaps.  

In this article, we share her insights into the challenges faced by the education system and how gaming can bridge the gap. If you're looking for innovative ways to transform education and help your students acquire crucial skills through gaming, stay tuned to discover how Maria's expertise can help you achieve your goals. 

The Power of Educational Gaming 

Gaming is more than just entertainment. It can also be an effective tool for education, teaching children essential skills like problem-solving and resilience through interactive experiences. When children engage in educational games, they're not just memorizing facts or solving problems – they're actively learning to think critically and apply their knowledge in different situations. Moreover, educational games provide a safe environment for children to experiment and learn from their mistakes, which is crucial for developing resilience and a growth mindset.  

Maria Burns Ortiz discussed how 7 Generation Games uses the power of educational gaming to help fill educational gaps in subjects like maths, social studies, and literacy. The company believes that by meeting children where they are – playing games – they can effectively engage and teach them essential skills like problem-solving and resilience. The games designed by 7 Generation Games encourage failure and learning from mistakes, which equip children to face real-life challenges with confidence and determination. 

Meeting Kids Where They Are 

As technology advances, how children learn and interact with the world constantly evolves. It's crucial to meet children where they are and create learning experiences that resonate with their interests and preferences to ensure that education remains engaging and relevant. One way to achieve this is by incorporating gaming into the educational landscape, as games are already a significant part of many children's lives.  

Maria Burns Ortiz emphasized the importance of meeting children where they are and adapting education to their needs and preferences. One of the reasons 7 Generation Games focuses on creating educational games that entice children to learn while playing. Ortiz stated that their games teach foundational maths, social studies, and literacy skills, making them more accessible and enjoyable for learners of all ages and abilities. 

Empowering Kids to Solve Future Problems 

Children must have the skills to tackle future challenges in an ever-changing world. Problem-solving and resilience are essential skills that enable children to adapt and thrive. By incorporating educational games that teach these abilities, educators can help prepare children for the complex world they will face as adults. Ortiz underlined the significance of teaching problem-solving skills and resilience through gaming to prepare children for future challenges.  

7 Generation Games aims to help children become resilient problem solvers, ready to take on whatever obstacles they encounter in the future. Ortiz's vision is to develop the next generation of problem solvers and resilient individuals through engaging and effective educational games. 

Empowering Educational Game Creation 

Creating engaging educational games can be daunting, especially for those needing more technical expertise for game development. However, making educational game creation more accessible to individuals and organizations can lead to many new learning experiences for children. It's essential to provide tools that make creating and distributing educational games easier, expanding their reach and impact.  

Maria Burns Ortiz mentioned that 7 Generation Games continually evolves technology to make game creation more accessible. Their game-builder software allows individuals without coding experience to create educational games, democratizing the educational game development process. By empowering more people to create educational games, 7 Generation Games is working to widen the impact and accessibility of game-based learning experiences. 

Encouragement and Positive Impact 

When creating educational games, it's crucial to consider encouraging and fostering a positive impact on children. Designing games that motivate and inspire learners is vital to maintaining their engagement and ensuring a meaningful learning experience.  

Maria Burns Ortiz shared about her daughter staying up late to play 7 Generation Games, emphasizing the company's goal of creating educational and enjoyable games. Ortiz and her team understand the importance of creating positive and inspiring learning experiences, and their work aims to impact children's lives and encourage learning in underserved communities. By designing entertaining and educational games, 7 Generation Games hopes to engage and empower children to learn, grow, and develop the skills they need for future success. 

Gaming is more than just entertainment; it is a powerful tool for teaching problem-solving and resilience skills. It's significant for educators who want to help their students succeed in school and beyond. Maria Burns Ortiz has enlightened us on the value of incorporating gaming into our classrooms. By taking these steps, we can help our students become more confident and learn essential life skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. 

We would love to hear your insights on how gaming can revolutionize education and uplift young minds. Could you share your thoughts in the comments section below? 

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