Significance of modern educational games on mobile devices

In modern educational system, role of teachers are dramatically transformed. Game-based learning is being progressively used today as it brings effectual outcomes. Through educational games, pupils can fully experience modelling particular situations.

Language teachers extensively use simulation and gaming methodologies for teaching. Since last four decades, computer games are very popular form of entertainment as well as source of learning. It is well observed that game based learning has captured the interest of educationists as it is considered as a motivational approach for learning.

With the advent of electronic devices, educational games are found on mobile phones so that learner can easy access these games to learn many things. Mobile games are elaborated as an electronic game played on mobile phone, smart phone, PDA, handheld computer or any type of wireless device. An educational game is an integration of mobile games and educational content. It connects education to the daily life experiences to the learners and their learning styles with the main purpose of delivering specific learning goals, outcomes and experiences.

Educational games have been evolved from simple 2D games with low knowledge integration all the way to the complex 3D game whose purpose is to impart the knowledge to the player without breaking the game flow.

Users can download mobile games from app stores as well as from mobile operator's portals, but in some cases are also preloaded in the handheld devices by the OEM or by the mobile operator when purchased, via infrared connection, Bluetooth, memory card or side loaded onto the handset with a cable.

Presently, children are fond of using a smartphone and have good understanding of technology and majority of children play video games. In this environment, parents also allow their children to play educational games that will augment spelling, reading, and math skills.

Several educationists asserted that digital games are powerful learning platform due to array of features such as motivation, engagement and immersive. These games offers unique learning opportunities. 

Main advantage of mobile educational games is the mobility. Mobile games allow player higher degree of freedom to interact with the game and other player because they are no longer limited by location, time, or space. Another merits over conventional game is that mobile technology can easily bend the real world with virtual game world.

Educational mobile games intend to engage players for extended periods and foster learning through the appeal of games. Mobile games are most suitable for language learning, improving communication skill, and increase computer literacy and practicing. These games support constructivist learning, improves student’s learning of complex concepts. Mobile games also allow players to transmit social relations to real world.

It is well recognized in present scenario that new generation is habituated to array of mobile devices. Educational games on mobile phones are a perfect tool to communicate with students, and educating them.