WORDLE: Popular word game could be positive in the classroom, keeping students engaged

DELMARVA- Wordle is an extremely popular word game that was recently purchased by the New York Times. Millions of players think the game is a ton of fun, but local college professors said, the game could have some educational benefits.

The online word game gives players six chances to guess a five-letter word. The game shares similarities with a crossword puzzle, and players get a new word each day to try and figure out.

47ABC spoke to local college professors who said brain games like this one could be beneficial in the classroom because they engage students and help them focus.

“It’s not necessarily meant for long term learning, and that’s where the challenge is for teachers but as far as it being a game something that you can use within your course material it can be fabulous because it increases engagement,” Dr. Dana Little, Assistant Professor of Digital Media Studies at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, said.

“So, when these students are just sitting there doing these brain games and they are trying to get as many words as they can in a certain time their focus is 100 percent,” Dr.Sheila Blosveren, Director of Developmental Instruction and English Professor at Wor-Wic Community College said.

The professors also said these games can be a double-edged sword. While they’re extremely engaging, if they become addicting, they could distract from other tasks.