Video Games as Educational Tools

An Analysis of Resources and Pedagogical Potentials in Higher Education

Abstract

In light of rapid technological transformations and the increasing digitization of society, traditional teaching methods, based on the one-way transmission of knowledge, have proven to be less effective in meeting new educational demands. In this context, video games emerge as a pedagogical alternative capable of engaging students, making learning more relatable to their experiences and stimulating essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Thus, the use of video games as educational tools has become an innovative and effective approach in higher education, promoting more interactive, dynamic, and meaningful learning. This study aims to identify video games and their respective pedagogical potentials, investigating their application in higher education and highlighting their contributions to learning. The research is based on a literature review of recent studies on game-based learning, interactivity, interdisciplinarity, and the cultural relevance of games in academic formation. Analyzed data indicate that video games, when used strategically, can transform the teaching-learning process, providing immersive environments that favor experimentation and student autonomy. Research results indicate that most students recognize video games as effective tools for learning. It is concluded that video games, when planned and applied pedagogically, transcend entertainment and establish themselves as educational tools of great potential. Their ability to create immersive, interactive, and contextualized experiences contributes to innovation in higher education, promoting more meaningful learning aligned with contemporary demands.