Daphne Bavelier is a cognitive researcher who has studied the effects of fast-paced video games on the brain. In this TED talk, she helps us understand how video games, even action-packed shooter games, can help us learn, focus and multitask.
One fascinating — and cautionary – message in this talk is that video games can feed our brains with chocolate (i.e. something appealing and pleasurable) or broccoli (i.e. something with positive, educational effects). The challenge now is to find ways to present educational games (broccoli) in appealing, irresistible ways (chocolate). But it’s not just a matter of covering up educational content with fun elements. That would be like eating chocolate-covered broccoli! The real challenge is coming up with a new brand of chocolate, so to speak: a cohesive blend of the irresistible and the educational. Educational games have to be appealing in their own right and not appear to be broccoli dressed up as chocolate.
