Scientists Say Kids Need More Video Games
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has proclaimed that kids need more, not less, video games. The group, formed in 1945 by a collection of atomic scientists fresh off the Manhattan Project, usually concerns itself with bigger issues – national security, nuclear proliferation, or humanitarian problems. But now they’ve set their sights on something much closer to teenager’s hearts.
Their report, based on advice from nearly one hundred education, science, and game industry experts, calls on the federal government and the Departments of Education and Labor to fund video game research and development. Video games, they argue, hold the potential to help address one of America’s most pressing problems – preparing students for an increasingly competitive global market.
Video games provide more than fun, according to the FAS. They “can teach higher-order thinking skills such as strategic thinking, interpretive analysis, problem solving, plan formulation, and execution, and adaptation to rapid change.” With many technology companies farming out lower-level work to countries where employees come more cheaply, these are the sort of skills American students will need to possess once they hit the workforce."
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Comments from readers
I play video games during my breaks or sometimes on the weekends when I'm at home and have nothing to do! I would say that video games does make a person think about strategies and planning. But I do not know how it would apply it to the workforce? A kid can be more concentrated when playing video games than doing homework. Maybe it really depends on how one person is conditioned? A kid can play video games all the time and not do well in school but we do not know was it because they're not trying that is why their not doing well in school? Maybe if they try and not play video games they'll do well in school? But I do have to say that video games are very addictive!! When I play a video game, I would just feel like playing and playing until it ends because I don't want to face the reality of the things I have to do and also there is an feeling of uneasiness or not finishing the game! Playing video games can be a good stress reliever. However I think that some of the video games are too violence and kids should not be expose to violence and ugly games!
Recent brain research (and older brain research) indicates that video games, tv viewing, and use of computers by young children actually CHANGES the way in which their brains work. These changes make it difficult for children to function in a traditional classroom.
Also, has no one noticed that there is an increase in the number of children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD?
Many researchers believe this is at least partly attributable to the overstimulation children receive from their environments starting at a very early age. This overstimulation is caused by the fast-bite tv programs, video games, and computer games they play.
What on earth is wrong with parents talking, reading, singing and otherwise entertaining their children?
I cannot seriously believe that good parents believe that tv and video games are better for their children than THEY are!
The more involved our children become with technology, the less involved they become with human beings. Change is not always good.
If kids can be made to practice solving math problems instead of shooting up some headless monsters. Then this would be of great benefit to the kids and to society.
But perhaps some school teachers will not be too pleased to see motivated kids teach themselves by playing educational video games. Being made redundant and being replaced by technology is something every worker dreads.
You say "people need to get more and more skilled at interpersonal communication as we get geographically further apart. Video games seem to promote more of an "individual contributor" mentality with less of an inclination to collaborate and exercise face to face communication skills"
I agree that this is true of traditional video games, but many contemporary video games have collaborative features built into them. World of Warcraft for example provides the ability for players to communicate via headset as they carry out complex missions. Sure it's an imaginary context, but the interactions will be very similar to type types of team-based communication that you might see in a corporate environment. (a bit less of watch out for that alien spaceship on your tail, and a bit more of make sure that you don't forget to include networking expenditure in that budget, but team-based communication nonetheless).
I'm not a complete video game advocate. I think that some of the games that are out there are not psychologically healthy, however I think that it's wise to consider the educational potential of the virtual environments that exist within computer games. It's a new world out there, or actually many of them.
Btw, I am a 15 year old and I play World of Warcraft for 2 hours a day, and yet I am able to sit back, look at these conversations and using logical deduction improve the automatic repulsiveness demonstrated by adults most likely 20 or so years older than I.
Now that I have corrected all who jumped to disagreeing conclusions before thinking about their words, I will put in my criticism:
Video games will only help if they involve the things listed in the above article. I would suggest that instead of reprimanding your child for playing a game, you just watch them play it for once, maybe try playing it yourself. Then you can decide whether they are using skill to play it (for example in World of Warcraft I sat down my dad to watch me create strategic moves and use split second decision making while battling "mobs", and when I let him try he couldn't do it. Of course being experienced contributes a lot, but from this example alone you can no longer tell your child he/she is doing mindless zombie work, because if it is mindless then I want to see you do it just like "that").
I would recommend games that require your child to think such as World of Warcraft, because instead of mindless gaming, you are using the skills it mentions above.
And you are right that you can also get your kid to play chess, which is great, but if this helps your child why not let him have fun as well. And don't just say "Danny go play chess right now or you are grounded!" If you want your kid to do things like that I suggest you take initiative in encouraging them to do it instead of ordering. Offer to play them in a game, make it fun and competitive. Do this but do not just blow of video games. They are also a fun way to learn just like chess.
So I hope you all have been able to realize the do's and dont's of video games, and please, in the future, don't just jump to conclusions when criticizing an article. And just to remind you, I am 15, and a hardcore gamer, and surprisingly my brain is not melting, in fact I am the only one in my class that plays these games and I am at the top of my class.
I will check back in a few days to see how the adults answer to this. I want to make sure I am not being unfair myself, and if it turns out that I am in a specific way, I will correct myself.
Thanks.
- Michael
And kids don't just play the games but they also talk about them with their friends. So if there were more appealing "educational" video games our kids will be talking about the good constructive things they are learning. And reinforce what they've learned by their conversations.
I believe educational virtual world games and simulation games are a great way for kids to learn and develope lifelong skills.
now, my complaint. i don't think that this article is true. VIDEO GAMES ARE NOT GOOD FOR YOU. don't make my mistake. i am already addicted. don't let that happen to your kids. video games are why i made my first 2 B's on my report card in my life. i'll probably never stop playing video games. all my friends on the bus were always talking about their new X-box, or the new game they just got.
i do like guitar hero, by the way.
they are not that good anyway..just like when they were in school,when their teacher talks about 1+1=2..they don`t care because they think of the reason why the chalk can write..get it??so maybe whenever they play video games they would think about how those gadgets can work.if they were interested.oh.well i`m hazel m. guevarra a 13 year old student living here in phillipines. and if you think i`m wrong it`s okay for me.i juz wnna share what i had learned.=))