- Puzzle-solving skills.
- Mental exercise.
- Social dexterity.
- Developing focus, patience, prioritizing…
All this from playing video games?
So says James Gee, a professor of learning sciences at the University of Wisconsin.
http://discovermagazine.com/2007/brain/video-games
“He found that even escapist fantasy games are embedded with one of the core principles of learning—students prosper when the subject matter challenges them right at the edge of their abilities.”
And later on, it’s said…
“The notion that video games can develop abilities that apply to real-world situations has been expressed by many and is increasingly being put to the test. In October 2006 the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) endorsed video games as a potential means for teaching “higher-order thinking skills, such as strategic thinking, interpretive analysis, problem solving, plan formulation and execution, and adaptation to rapid change.””
Am I posting this just to rationalize my own game-playing habits? Sure, why not? But it’s nice to know that it’s not a complete waste of time. A melding of entertainment and learning? Sounds good to me. It’s that same blend of exercise and entertainment that the Wii seems to be providing to this generation of couch potatoes. I look forward to sending my children off to school, knowing they’ll be blowing up the world and fighting dragons, all while gaining a comprehension of calculus and biospheres.
That day will come. Disagree? Let me know.
I see that smile.
I’ll be the first to admit that I absolutely loathe video games. And, just so you understand where I’m coming from, the same goes for the TV. Video games are strictly prohibited in my cave and we don’t watch TV at all (but the occasional movie is fine).
That said, the AMA and the APA is in the process of deciding that video games–particularly the online fantasy kinds–are extremely addictive, thus bad. Of course, the APA also condones man/boy love so I’m not sure they’re such a good source.
Anyway, it’s an interesting idea but I think I’d rather my kiddo just play board games a few times a week.
I do admit to the addiction factor of these games. I went through a heavy phase of it in college, which I am still in the process of weaning myself away from, and I’m happy to say has been decently succesful. I still enjoy them, though I’ll take a good book over a good game anytime. If I never played a video game again in my life, would it be a terrible thing? No, but we all have our little escapes.
And yes, those online ones are especially compelling. I can say that from experience, which is why I steer clear from those right now. They can be a huge time sink.