Level Up: How BFIS is embracing technological advancements in school settings

Historically, videogames have raised concerns in educational centers concerning its impact on student’s educational performances. Excessive use of video games can distract students from their schoolwork and lower one’s scholastic performance. However, when used in a healthy manner videogames can serve as a learning tool and a healthy form of leisure. Psychological studies concerning video game usage and its effects such as “Uttal et al (2013)” and “Glass, Maddox and Love (2013)” suggest that videogames may have a positive correlation with increased cognitive abilities and coordination skills. The benefits associated with video game usage have led some schools to reevaluate their stance and question their initial judgments made against video games. Aswell, as its rightful place in learning environments. BFIS is one of the many schools that has learned to recognise video game's potential in educational settings, and has set out to invest more in its potential.

This embrace of technological advancements has set out the school to invest in a product that I will be reviewing: the SF900 retro game console. This gaming controller serves as a 2-in-1 console and controller package deal, compact with over 1500+ retro games. The console’s games range from five different video game genres consisting of: “sports”, “shooting”, “adventure”, “fighting” and “puzzle”. The console serves as an alternative to the 21st Century gaming console. The SF900 stays true to its retro roots because of its vintage use of raster graphics and classic 80’s retro music. Allowing returning video game enthusiasts to immerse themselves once again in their most beloved otherwise archived games. All the while, allowing younger audiences to enjoy classic, timeless games that are easy to grasp and enjoyable to play. In the following part of this article I will be adressing the pros and cons of this gaming console and my final verdict on the machinery.

Pros:

My first pro concerning this gaming console, is its wide and entertaining variety of video games. The grand variety of game genres bring justice to just about every and any video game fan. The console’s easy accessibility to multiple video game genres appeals to many audiences by offering a diverse range of experiences and catering to different player preferences. Making the console an entertaining pastime and a good form of leisure. My second pro concerning this gaming console is how easy it is to maneuver. The simplicity of the console’s design makes the console easy to understand and operate, especially for beginners/younger players. It takes no more than a matter of minutes to fully master the console’s settings and controls. The console also serves plug-and-play functionality, using an HDMI plug. Allowing the console to be easily installed and easily set up. My last pro concerning this console is how transportable and lightweight it is. This console doesn’t take up much space, it's very light and can be easily transported from one location to another. Making it easily transportable for trips and gatherings with friends.

Cons:

My only con concerning this piece of machinery is how its not very up to date. But even that serves as part of the console’s charm. Even so, the console is original, and gives justice to the 80’s video game era. It doesn’t need to be necessarily “up to date” or “modern” in order to serve as a good form of leisure.

My final verdict:

In conclusion, I believe that the SF900 retro game console is an extraordinary addition to the BFIS educational environment. I fully support BFIS’ recent investments in pieces of machinery as such, they serve as a good balance to the school’s rigorous academics. The console’s wide range of games, easy maneuvering, setting up and transportability makes the console a worthy purchase.