Games to Play in Class When Bored on Computer: A Journey Through Digital Distractions and Educational Escapades

In the modern classroom, where technology is increasingly integrated into the learning environment, students often find themselves with access to computers during lessons. While these devices are primarily intended for educational purposes, they can also serve as a gateway to a world of entertainment, especially when boredom strikes. This article explores a variety of games that students can play on their computers during class when they find themselves disengaged from the lesson at hand. These games range from simple, quick distractions to more complex, thought-provoking challenges, all designed to provide a brief respite from the monotony of the classroom without completely derailing the learning process.
1. Browser-Based Games: Quick and Easy Distractions
Browser-based games are perhaps the most accessible form of digital entertainment for students in class. These games require no downloads or installations, making them ideal for quick sessions when the teacher isn’t looking. Some popular options include:
- Agar.io: A simple yet addictive game where players control a cell, consuming smaller cells to grow larger while avoiding larger ones. The game’s simplicity and quick gameplay make it a favorite among students.
- Slither.io: Similar to Agar.io, but with a snake-like creature that grows by consuming pellets. The game’s competitive nature and easy controls make it a popular choice for quick gaming sessions.
- 2048: A puzzle game where players slide numbered tiles on a grid to combine them and reach the 2048 tile. The game’s strategic depth and quick rounds make it a great way to pass time without drawing too much attention.
2. Educational Games: Learning Through Play
For students who want to stay somewhat engaged with the learning process, educational games can be a great option. These games are designed to be both fun and informative, making them a more productive way to spend time in class. Some examples include:
- Kahoot!: A game-based learning platform that allows teachers to create quizzes and interactive lessons. Students can join these games using their devices, making it a fun way to review material or learn new concepts.
- Duolingo: While primarily a language-learning app, Duolingo’s gamified approach to education makes it a great option for students looking to improve their language skills during class. The app’s short, interactive lessons are perfect for quick sessions.
- CodeCombat: A game that teaches programming through interactive challenges. Students can learn to code while playing a game, making it a productive way to spend time in class.
3. Puzzle Games: Exercising the Brain
Puzzle games are another great option for students looking to engage their minds while taking a break from the lesson. These games often require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making them a more intellectually stimulating form of entertainment. Some popular puzzle games include:
- Tetris: A classic puzzle game where players must arrange falling blocks to create complete lines. The game’s fast-paced nature and simple controls make it a great way to pass time.
- Sudoku: A number-placement puzzle that requires logical thinking to fill a grid with numbers. Sudoku puzzles can be found online and are a great way to challenge the mind during class.
- Portal: A more complex puzzle game that involves using a portal gun to solve physics-based puzzles. While more involved than other games on this list, Portal’s unique gameplay and challenging puzzles make it a great option for students looking for a more immersive experience.
4. Simulation Games: Building and Managing
Simulation games allow players to build and manage virtual worlds, making them a great option for students who enjoy creative and strategic thinking. These games often require more time and attention than other types of games, but they can be a rewarding way to spend time in class. Some popular simulation games include:
- Minecraft: A sandbox game where players can build and explore virtual worlds. Minecraft’s creative mode allows students to build whatever they can imagine, making it a great outlet for creativity.
- The Sims: A life simulation game where players create and control virtual people. The Sims’ open-ended gameplay and focus on creativity make it a great option for students looking to escape into a virtual world.
- Cities: Skylines: A city-building simulation game where players design and manage a city. The game’s complex mechanics and strategic depth make it a great option for students who enjoy planning and problem-solving.
5. Multiplayer Games: Social Interaction
For students who want to engage with their peers during class, multiplayer games can be a great option. These games allow students to play together, either cooperatively or competitively, making them a fun way to socialize while taking a break from the lesson. Some popular multiplayer games include:
- Among Us: A social deduction game where players work together to complete tasks while trying to identify impostors among them. The game’s simple mechanics and focus on social interaction make it a great option for group play.
- Fortnite: A battle royale game where players compete to be the last one standing. While more involved than other games on this list, Fortnite’s fast-paced gameplay and social features make it a popular choice for students.
- Roblox: A platform that allows users to create and play games created by other users. Roblox’s vast library of games and social features make it a great option for students looking to play with friends.
6. Retro Games: Nostalgic Fun
For students who enjoy a bit of nostalgia, retro games can be a great way to pass time in class. These games often have simple graphics and mechanics, making them easy to pick up and play. Some popular retro games include:
- Pac-Man: A classic arcade game where players control a character that eats pellets while avoiding ghosts. The game’s simple controls and addictive gameplay make it a great option for quick gaming sessions.
- Super Mario Bros.: A platformer game where players control Mario as he navigates levels to rescue Princess Peach. The game’s iconic gameplay and nostalgic appeal make it a great option for students looking for a bit of retro fun.
- Tetris: As mentioned earlier, Tetris is a classic puzzle game that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet challenging gameplay makes it a great option for students looking for a quick distraction.
7. Creative Games: Expressing Yourself
For students who enjoy expressing themselves creatively, there are a variety of games that allow for artistic expression. These games often involve drawing, music, or other forms of creative output, making them a great way to channel creativity during class. Some popular creative games include:
- Draw Something: A game where players take turns drawing pictures for their friends to guess. The game’s focus on creativity and social interaction make it a great option for students looking to express themselves.
- GarageBand: While not a traditional game, GarageBand is a music creation app that allows users to create and record music. The app’s intuitive interface and wide range of instruments make it a great option for students interested in music.
- Minecraft: As mentioned earlier, Minecraft’s creative mode allows players to build and design virtual worlds, making it a great outlet for creativity.
8. Strategy Games: Planning and Tactics
For students who enjoy strategic thinking, strategy games can be a great way to pass time in class. These games often involve planning, resource management, and tactical decision-making, making them a more intellectually stimulating form of entertainment. Some popular strategy games include:
- Civilization VI: A turn-based strategy game where players build and manage a civilization from the ancient era to the modern age. The game’s complex mechanics and strategic depth make it a great option for students who enjoy planning and problem-solving.
- StarCraft II: A real-time strategy game where players control one of three factions in a battle for dominance. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and focus on tactics make it a great option for students looking for a more involved gaming experience.
- Chess: While not a digital game, chess can be played online and is a great way to engage in strategic thinking. The game’s timeless appeal and focus on tactics make it a great option for students looking to challenge their minds.
9. Adventure Games: Exploring New Worlds
For students who enjoy immersive storytelling and exploration, adventure games can be a great way to escape into a virtual world. These games often involve solving puzzles, interacting with characters, and exploring new environments, making them a great option for students looking for a more narrative-driven experience. Some popular adventure games include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: An open-world adventure game where players explore a vast landscape, solve puzzles, and battle enemies. The game’s immersive world and engaging gameplay make it a great option for students looking for a more involved gaming experience.
- Life is Strange: A narrative-driven adventure game where players make choices that affect the story. The game’s focus on storytelling and character development make it a great option for students interested in narrative-driven games.
- Firewatch: A first-person adventure game where players explore a wilderness area while uncovering a mystery. The game’s immersive world and focus on storytelling make it a great option for students looking for a more narrative-driven experience.
10. Casual Games: Relaxing and Unwinding
For students who just want to relax and unwind during class, casual games can be a great option. These games are often simple, easy to play, and require little to no commitment, making them ideal for quick gaming sessions. Some popular casual games include:
- Candy Crush Saga: A match-three puzzle game where players match candies to complete levels. The game’s simple mechanics and addictive gameplay make it a great option for quick gaming sessions.
- Angry Birds: A physics-based puzzle game where players launch birds at structures to destroy them. The game’s simple controls and fun gameplay make it a great option for students looking to relax.
- Flappy Bird: A simple game where players control a bird, trying to navigate it through obstacles. The game’s challenging yet simple gameplay make it a great option for quick gaming sessions.
Conclusion
While the primary purpose of computers in the classroom is to enhance learning, they can also serve as a source of entertainment when boredom strikes. The games listed above offer a wide range of options for students looking to take a break from the lesson, from quick, simple distractions to more complex, thought-provoking challenges. Whether students are looking to engage their minds, express their creativity, or simply relax, there is a game out there for everyone. However, it’s important to remember that these games should be played in moderation, as excessive gaming can detract from the learning experience. By choosing the right games and playing them responsibly, students can make the most of their time in class, both academically and recreationally.
Related Q&A
Q: Are there any games that can actually help me learn while I play? A: Yes, games like Kahoot!, Duolingo, and CodeCombat are designed to be both fun and educational, making them a great way to learn while playing.
Q: What are some good games for playing with friends in class? A: Games like Among Us, Fortnite, and Roblox are great options for playing with friends, as they offer social interaction and cooperative or competitive gameplay.
Q: Are there any games that don’t require an internet connection? A: Yes, games like Tetris, Sudoku, and many retro games can be played offline, making them a great option for when internet access is limited.
Q: How can I make sure I don’t get caught playing games in class? A: It’s important to be discreet and choose games that don’t require a lot of attention or sound. Browser-based games and puzzle games are often the best options for staying under the radar.
Q: Are there any games that can help improve my problem-solving skills? A: Yes, puzzle games like Tetris, Sudoku, and Portal are great for improving problem-solving skills, as they require critical thinking and strategic planning.