A study of the effects of computer games on children’s cognitive and affective development

In this research, primary students? opinions about using educational computer games in courses and the effects of educational computer games on students? cognitive and affective developments are investigated. The research questions are as follows: 1. What are the perceptions of 6th grade students about using computer games in education? 2. Do the effects of educational games on 6th grade students differ significantly? This research aims is to clarify the effects of using educational computer games on children?s cognitive and affective developments. It?s found out that students have positive opinions about using educational computer games in courses as supplementary. They think that these games develop maths ability and make them more engaged in the lesson. Therefore, this issue is decided to be investigated The sample of this research includes primary school students who are still studying at a school in ?zmir, Konak. There are 47 students in this group participated this study regulary and answered questions completely. In this quantitative research data collection tools were three scales and a posttest. Data are collected through the Scale of Attitudes Towards Maths Lesson, Computer Games Anxiety Scale, Computer Games Scale and Maths Test. To reveal the effects of computer games on 6th grade primary school students, Halsoft Educational Maths Game is made use of. Also the research is qualitatively conducted through some open ended questions posed to the sample. Required statistics for data analysis were performed by using Microsoft Office Excel program and SPSS statistical program. Findings were interpreted appropriately according to research?s purpose. In addition, this research tried to clarify what kind of effects can educational computer games make on children?s cognitive and affective development. Finally following conclusions came up; ? Educational maths game effects the cognitive and effective developments of 6th grade students positively. ? The effect of educational maths game on the 6th grade students? cognitive development in maths course doesn?t differ whether the students have their own computers or they are male or female. ? Students explain that they like playing educational maths game, they enjoy having this activity and they feel free from anxiety when playing it. Moreover, when playing the game they forget about their problems, feel relaxed and immerse in the game and just play to win it. ? Educational maths game is interesting, attractive for both girls and boys. Students? feelings, when playing educational maths game don?t differ according to gender and whether they have their own computers or not. ? Students explain that after playing the game they feel more intelligent, wellinformed and they say that they are proud of themselves. In addition, they express that they can feel the improvement of their minds. ? Students think that computer games are very good for free time activities, games help them to develop some of their skills and arouse curiosity. Students believe that computer games are not only for children but also for adults. Boys and girls prefer playing different types of computer games. Also they enjoy more when they play games together with their friends, they know that games with inappropriate content may effect them negatively and they don?t think that playing computer games is a waste of time. ? Most of the students mention that having courses with computer games is more enjoyable and those games arouse their interest about the lesson. ? Students agree that achivement level increases in which lessons are assisted with computer games.