Lately, video games are everywhere. When I was 10 or 11, I was not allowed to have a hand held video game (the original Gameboy at the time) because my parents thought I might lose it. Now, at the elementary school where I work, there is an explicit rule in the agenda that hand held video game consoles are forbidden from school grounds. The school’s explanation, given by the principle, is that it these devices promote taxing, bullying and theft. The feeling amongst older teachers is that video games are also the demise of the younger generations and they do not want to have such a destructive force in their classes.
I feel that this is a generalized and outdated sentiment in terms of modern video games. Although many of them promote senseless violence, there are some that work on fitness, mental stimulation and hand-eye/foot-eye coordination. Some games, like Brain Age, have its players practice mental math, memory games, etc. Others like Dance Dance Revolution have the players step on a certain square in time with the beat shown on screen. Believe me; this is harder than it looks!!
Nintendo’s WiiFit is an excellent example of a video game made to promote fitness. Although some flaws still exist (a judgemental virtual trainer that calls you obese), WiiFit is a revolutionary game that lets the typical gamer exercise while still playing.
It is true that not all video games are beneficial; however they are not all detrimental as well. If money allows it, it may be a fun concept to reward the class with a “game day” where students can play games like Mario Party or Rayman Ravid Rabbids (both which ask its players to do specific tasks or movements in order to win).
Yes, perhaps we can bring video games to our class as a learning tool as long as teachers think the content is useful and may make decisions about it. Best wishes!
ReplyDelete