Maybe kids playing online video games is not such a bad thing all. A new study shows that teenagers who regularly played games online improved their test scores school. However, the same study found that social media use was damaging exam results. The study was conducted professor Alberto Posso Australia's RMIT University. Researchers analysed data the online activities more than 12,000 15-year-olds the globe. It looked their maths, reading and science scores. Professor Posso concluded that: "It is possible that a number skills associated online gaming correlate positively with general knowledge and skills tests maths, reading, and science."
Critics the study suggest the findings may not be relevant today as the games are now outdated. Education expert Nicola Johnson said: "I think technology practices move so quickly, even a year….While [this study] should make headlines, you have to say it's not really a reflection current practice." However, she did admit that children could learn useful skills while gaming. She said: "Many games involve a lot strategising, problem solving, goal setting and regular practice order to obtain more skills. That kind mindset would of course seemingly correspond achievement and learning." Conversely, the study found that students who used social media a lot scored 20 points lower maths tests.
