Damion Frye leads as principal of Maplewood, New Jersey's Seth Boyden Demonstration School, where he helps teachers integrate new learning modalities and improve the effectiveness of pedagogical practices. At home, Damion Frye enjoys playing video games with his sons.
Many parents worry about their children's engagement with video games. Such concerns stem largely from misinformation about the ability of such games to promote addiction, encourage violence, and decrease social participation. However, not only has scientific evidence debunked these fears, but additional studies have also shown that playing video games can improve a player's cognitive abilities.
Several studies show a connection between video game play and improved executive function. Research published in 2013 shows that experience with action video games can strengthen a player's ability to engage in multiple tasks simultaneously, while other data shows that these types of games can help a player to transition quickly between tasks without losing effectiveness.
Action video games may also help improve reading speed and maintain accuracy in children with dyslexia. Additional research has shown that such games can improve visual tracking in both children and adults, while 3D games may stimulate the brain in a way that increases memory capacity. This data finds further confirmation in a 2014 German study, which showed that game play can increase the development of gray matter in regions of the brain responsible for memory formation, strategic planning, spatial awareness, and fine motor development.
