Talk:Video Games
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[edit] Comment 6/29/08 By: hlynch
I agree with the author of the article that games are a great way to teach children. I also know that electronic games (whether played on a game system or computer) have essentially become the substitute babysitter that t.v. was for my generation. While some games are overused in the home, the classroom is another story. As a Kindergarten teacher I know the importance of play and game play. These games not only help to reinforce content knowledge they also teach social skills. While I love some electronic games I do think that there are pros and cons to their use in a classroom. The pros are that we are teaching children essential computing skills that they will need for the job market. We are also developing hand-eye coordination. However, there are some cons. If you only engage children in electronic versions of games they are missing out on that key social element. They are not having to play with others and learn to share and the rules about games. On a computer screen if you do something "illegal" the computer simply won't let you do it, but if you are playing in real life and you make that same move and get caught then you have to work out your problems with others. While I think there should be limitations on electronic game use in the classroom I definitely encourage it's use. My children use websites like Starfall and RazKids daily. We also use a math game program called FastMath that the children absolutely love! In conclusion I think that the use of games in the classroom has to be balanced between hands on games and electronic games. If the right balance is achieved success will be found.
[edit] Comment 4/27/08
As we all know, games play a huge role in today’s society. Whether it is video or computer games, or even puzzles and card games; games can be used as an advantage to a child learning if they are used effectively. For example, if I allow my students’ in my classroom to play a card game during a math lesson, they are gaining new knowledge as well as learning to social interact with their peers. They are also learning about rules and the importance of playing fair. Allowing my students to play educational software on the computer is another way to involve children in games, but they have fun while doing it. They are involved in a “thinking process” which stimulates the brain and they have no idea. Games that are educational create a positive learning environment that every child should be exposed to at all times. Even puzzles are a type of game that is motivating and challenging for any aged person. However, video games have become a hindrance to children’s learning. The video games that children play at home are filled with violence and they have made children lazy and uninterested in learning new things. Instead of being active or reading a book, they are investing all of their time and energy into less stimulating activities such as video games. I also think these video games that parents are allowing their children to play non-stop are a huge factor in today’s violent society. When these children are exposed to such games, they begin to conform to this idea that violence is okay and part of our world. I think it is incredibly ridiculous the amount of hours that are invested in video games that aren’t educational when gaining knowledge and simply learning is far one of the most important aspect of our lives.
