When we think about games in our culture we understand them to be about violence and other factors which can be disturbing to young children. In fact, there have been several prominent studies conducted in the last few years which directly speak to this issue. One piece of literature in particular to consider, written by Douglas Gentile and Craig Anderson called "Violent Video Games: The Newest Media Violence Hazard", speaks fairly clearly to the fact that video games can lead to negative behavior in younger children. Click here to see the full text.
Clearly these types of games can have negative repercussions in children, but these aspects simply reflect the corporate choice to make products which sell themselves through explicit violence and sexuality. It must be understood, though, that there are other alternatives and these can be explored.
If we consider games, removed from their potentially violent theme or content, and focus simply on their interactive and tactile systems we see that they can be used to teach an amazing variety of topics. Games build skills in several areas including three dimensional thinking, perception, individual problem solving, team based problem solving, and help students become comfortable with computer and network technologies. In addition, it's very possible that multiplayer online games using virtual worlds allow children who otherwise would feel marginalized for their potential short comings (being too smart, too short,or too shy) to join and interact in a positive manner in a virtual community. One good example of a video game with direct and positive impact on students today is a game by Will Wright, the creator of SimCity called "Spore", which allows players to trace the evolution of an organism from the micro to the macro scale. As a teaching tool, it provides an exceptional opportunity for scientific learning in an engaging manner. Click here to see a YouTube video by the creators of Spore.
In the end, it's the choice of the teacher and the school to tailor the content given to the students. By allowing access to video games but somewhat controlling the specific content, it's possible to have the best of both worlds. As an educator (either a teacher or a librarian), what are your thoughts?
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3 comments:
Having the best of both worlds would be ideal, Kate! Analyzing the content of games is essential for their success in the classroom as well as to achieve the maximum benefits for all of the children involved. I am a huge proponent of games in school because of their attempt at communication and collaboration amongst students.
**Beatrice**
Just as we keep track of what our kids read, eat and who their friends are -- I think the same holds true for games. There are so many great ones (you named some of them, Kate) and many notorious ones as well. When Sean was young we would not let him play Grand Theft Auto. I am sure he found his way to it at someone else's house, but it was important to me that he knew that I did not endorse killing, maiming and drug traffic as sport. His favorite games to date are sports related, where he is the coach and can call all the shots. Recently his six year old brother got a Pokemon game for a new system and Sean admits that it's "really cool, though I'd never play it if it wasn't for Jake . . ". I wonder? There is nothing better than playing a game you know how to play -- mastery is such a high! I distinctly remember my little ones loving to play with the "baby toys" of younger cousins for the same reason -- it really is play when you know what you're doing. As teachers, we can use this aspect of human nature to enhance our students' classroom experience!
Just catching up on blogging now, hope I'm not too late...
First, I want to say that any technological advance has it's positive and negative side. I think using games are one of the best strategies to get children to learn. We all love to play. It is highly motivating and engaging. On that note, I do agree with Kate that some games give others a bad name. They are violent or mindless.
As teachers, librarians, parents and adults, we must do our best to steer children towards games that are worthy of their time and hope that they will make the right decisions when we are not around.
Secondly, I want to comment on the link you provided to the utube video on the Spore game. I watched it and I was simply amazed! If the possiblities for the creation of worlds and galaxies is unlimited and this game truly reflects the infinite nature of the universe, I wonder how the hardware will be able to store all of this information. Currently, the hardware that exists does not have unlimited storage capacities. The concept of infinity is extremely difficult for human beings to understand since everything we know and experience in our world is finite. I think this game would be an amazing way to get this concept across to kids and even adults. Thank you so much for sharing this with us Kate! Its really got me thinking!!!
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