The Digital Game World of Youth: Perspectives of Undergraduate Students

Öz

Teachers’ and prospective teachers’ awareness, approaches, competencies, and usage levels regarding new technologies are among the significant research topics. The changing learning habits of the digital native generation and the rapidly increasing role of technology in education have made it essential to understand teachers’ perspectives and pedagogical approaches toward digital games. This study aims to investigate undergraduate students’ digital gaming habits and the effects of digital games on various skills. Conducted using a qualitative research design, the study deeply analyzes the experiences and perceptions of undergraduate students regarding digital games. A purposive sampling approach was preferred to determine the study group. Within the scope of the research, a semi-structured interview technique was employed to thoroughly examine participants’ general thoughts. The data obtained were analyzed using the content analysis method. The research findings indicate that students play digital games for an average of half an hour to 2-3 hours daily, with a particular preference for quiz and strategy games. Participants stated that digital games enhance cognitive and psychomotor skills, particularly providing positive effects on reflexes and muscle coordination. In the context of social skills, digital games were found to offer opportunities for communication and socialization. In the academic domain, students noted that digital games increase their motivation and contribute to their academic success. However, it was revealed that the effects of digital games on time management depend on individual differences. Students emphasized the importance of considering age and developmental levels in selecting digital games, establishing controlled gaming durations, and preferring games with stress-reducing features.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Digital Games
• Undergraduate Students
• Skill Development
• Educational Technology
• Learning

Gençlerin Dijital Oyun Dünyası: Lisans Öğrencilerinin Bakış Açısı

Öz

Öğretmenlerin ve öğretmen adaylarının yeni teknolojilere yönelik farkındalıkları, yaklaşımları, yeterlikleri ve kullanım düzeyleri önemli araştırma konuları arasında yer almaktadır. Dijital yerli kuşağın öğrenme alışkanlıklarının değişmesi ve teknolojinin eğitimdeki rolünün hızla artması, öğretmenlerin dijital oyunlara yönelik bakış açılarını ve pedagojik yaklaşımlarını anlamayı zorunlu hale getirmiştir. Bu araştırma, lisans öğrencilerinin dijital oyun oynama alışkanlıklarını ve dijital oyunların çeşitli beceriler üzerindeki etkilerini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Nitel araştırma deseni kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen çalışmada, lisans öğrencilerinin dijital oyunlara ilişkin deneyimleri ve algıları derinlemesine analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu belirlemek için amaçlı örnekleme yaklaşımı tercih edilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği kullanılarak katılımcıların genel düşünceleri detaylı bir şekilde ele alınmıştır. Elde edilen veriler, içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, öğrencilerin günlük ortalama yarım saat ile 2-3 saat arasında dijital oyun oynadığını ve özellikle bilgi yarışması ile strateji türü oyunları tercih ettiğini göstermiştir. Katılımcılar, dijital oyunların bilişsel ve devinişsel becerileri geliştirdiğini, özellikle refleks ve kas koordinasyonu üzerinde olumlu etkiler sağladığını ifade etmiştir. Sosyal beceriler bağlamında, dijital oyunların iletişim ve sosyalleşme fırsatları sunduğu tespit edilmiştir. Akademik alanda ise öğrenciler, dijital oyunların motivasyonlarını artırdığını ve akademik başarılarına katkıda bulunduğunu belirtmiştir. Bununla birlikte, dijital oyunların zaman yönetimi üzerindeki etkilerinin bireysel farklılıklara bağlı olduğu ortaya konulmuştur. Öğrenciler, dijital oyunların seçiminde yaş ve gelişim düzeyinin dikkate alınması, kontrollü oyun sürelerinin belirlenmesi ve stres azaltıcı özelliklere sahip oyunların tercih edilmesi gerektiğini vurgulamıştır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Dijital Oyunlar
• Lisans Öğrencileri
• Beceri Gelişimi
• Eğitim Teknolojisi
• Öğrenme

Kaynakça

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