Can Video Games be both Fun and Educative?

Video games are a relatively new and emerging type of media technology, and with that comes both positive and negative views of video games. If children spend 2+ hours a day playing video games, would we classify that as a hobby or an obsession? Are there negative stereotypes associated with children who play video games? Scholars have conflicting views about video games, some arguing that they are beneficial for learning, and others worry that it can become addictive and detrimental for youth. This article explores the new emergence of media and what children learn from video games.  

Playing video games is a prominent leisure activity for both children and young adults. The large popularity of video games suggests a shared cultural experience that extends around the world. Research finds there is a huge generational gap when it comes to playing video games for leisure, however, more and more educators are incorporating video games into their classrooms. The question for teachers is why are they amusing for kids? A few reasons for this include they are a form of play, it is a voluntary activity, and a means of social interaction. With the increasing amount of graphic violence in video games paired with the long stretches of time children are involved in video games, it begs the question: Are video games helping or hurting youth? 

 

Arguments in favour of video games suggest that although video games are primarily used for entertainment, there are some forms of teaching methods as well depending on the game. For example, scaffolding, memorization, relevant contexts, metacognition, and perceptual skills, and these skills are suggested to transfer to other contexts. However, other experts worry about the negative effects video games can have on young children, including addictive tendencies, increased aggression, and increased antisocial behaviour. 

Although we cannot conclude if video games are more beneficial or detrimental to young children, there is evidence to support the notion that video games can be both fun and educational. More and more educators are incorporating technology and video games into their classroom as a form of incorporating fun ways of teaching the curriculum. As future educators, this is something we can learn from. If we decide to have technology take on a bigger role in our classrooms, we must be sure that it plays a dual role- using technology to teach students and teaching students how to use technology. 

 

For more information, see this site >>> http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/winter2009/olthouse/index.htm

 

Michelle @NU (OTECC)