I find it interesting how discussions about education sometimes place blame on video games. Video games could be one of our greatest assets in the fight against illiteracy. Innovations such as the Leap Frog gaming system, a hand held device that allows children to play educational games with popular media icons (Shrek, Spiderman, Disney Princesses, etc.) are very positive. This gaming device teaches children math and reading without them even knowing it. If we start children on these types of devices when they are interested in gaming, we can help improve their skills at the same time. The main issue with games is proper monitoring by parents.
We have to realize that no matter what, our children are going to want to play games, and it is up to us to know what our child is playing. My generation was raised with gaming. I have a feeling that when I am a parent, playing games with my child will be a part of our life. The difference is, I will put the subtitles on games and will limit their use if they are non educational.
Recently I purchased an iPad, and it has got me back into reading for fun. I enjoy the accessibility of reading on the go what I want when I want. The future of literacy is in technology and specifically electronics. We need to embrace this change and use it to our advantage, not be scared and place blame where it is not warranted.
Thanks for Reading!
Mr. Nappen
This is a very good point. I also believe that gaming devices can be used for many educational reasons. Children will enjoy them if they have something they like or can relate to in the game. (ex Shrek, Spiderman etc.) And I alos agree that it is also the parents responsibilty to monitor the child with the game.
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ReplyDeleteI recommend this for a good read on the effects that video games have on learning.
It's 2010 now. We can't keep using video games as a scapegoat for poor performance in the classrooms. Especially now, as you mentioned, that there are plenty of games nowadays that help with literacy and education.
~ Cuong Nguyen
I agree with your post. Parents and people in general, need to realize that technology and video games are not going away anytime soon. There are so many educational games out there, and parents need to realize that these games can help their child. I think children need to be monitored when playing the games and given a time limit, but nonetheless, they are beneficial to their learning.
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