~Marc Prensky 2002.
1. "In fact, as a learning tool, computer and video games may be the most powerful mechanism ever known. "
In this quote the author is stating that games could be the "most powerful mechanism" to education ever known. I tend to agree with this quote, however, I beleive that it should be stated as , computer and video games may be the most powerful mechanism to learning in this generation. I think that computers and video games are an impressive tool and they are powerful, but they are powerful because the students, and society in general have invested a great deal of their entertainment "alottment" to this genre of entertainment. THe arguement might be that if video and computer games were not as popular, this would not be the case. In other eras of education, other devices were the most powerful mechanisms. Tomorrow, another mechanism may come along that will make gaming as mundane as the chalkboard or even smart boards.
2. "Even infants quickly learn this and sit fascinated, moving the mouse and watching the screen with glee for long periods. This is "real world" learning. "
I found this quote funny, as it to me shows that video games in some instances are interesting for nothing more than hours of "mindless" entertainment. The child watching the mouse move around is learning to control his/her environment by moving the mouse, however, it is to me a basic learning level, with no upper level comprehension happening.
3. "I would argue that – unless already severely disturbed – kids don’t leave violent games with the message “I’ve got to run out and do this,” at least not in our society."
This quote is taken from the author's argument that games do not primarily induce violence in youth. I completely agree. I realize that some content may not be appropriate for certain age levels, I also believe that if this argument is accepted that games induce violence, it is only a matter of time before something else in entertainment and media is blamed for violence. Violence has always been present in the human race, and to blame violent tendencies on one specific componenet of a person's life is asinine. If games can be blamed, then I submit movies, TV, Music, and even News can be attributed to cause violence in humans.
Video Games: An Hour A Day Is Key To Success In Life
In this article the author, Jane McGonigal, discusses how video games are actually some of the most productive ways to spend free time. She argues that playing games helps to build relationships that have social and emotional impacts on people and their lives. I know that this article is a stretch to compare to our article this week, however, a small portion of article was based on the idea that video games are not "wastes of time". This article explores why it is not a waste of time, but actually productive.
I found it interesting in our assigned reading that only 10% of video games purchased and played are rated M for maturity. I feel very strongly about the need for guidance from parents/guardians in relation to game playing. Teaching our children to separate reality from fantasy, helping them understand consequences for behavior, and overall just being part of (mentoring) their "gaming" or online networks, might help "millennials" adapt to their generation.
ReplyDeleteI very much love all the quotes you chose for your blog. Computer games and technology, as learning tools, are the new face of the future. As the educational processes grow and develop, so will the use of technology in the classroom curriculum. As your second quote mentions, even infants are learning from technology as they watch a process as simple as a cursor moving across a computer screen while moving the mouse; developing coordination, comprehension, and visual skills. Also, I agree that violence in video games is not the reason that kids show disruptive and violent behaviors in real life; they possessed the aggressive characteristics before ever playing the game.
ReplyDeleteI also like your article link. Playing video games is far from a waste of time; as long as done reasonable and in moderation. An hour a day is perfect for challenging, motivating, and inspiring the learning processes.
I agree that video games can not be the only reason that there is violence in schools. This behavior can be credited to many components in life, not just one. There are also many video games that do not include violence, and these are the ones that we want to focus on to be included in the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the quote about video and computer games being one of the most powerful mechanisms ever known. Technology has become a part of our everyday lives and it will become more a part as it advances. We as teachers should try and embrace it and find ways to integrate it into our teaching.
ReplyDeleteI also choose the first quote and agree with you but the real question is how ready are teachers to accept this fact and use it to their advantage. I think it will come in time but some will still drag their feet. I did some of my student teaching in a preschool classroom where high school students were teacher aids and it was remarkable how well the 3-4 years mastered different games. They not only knew how to play but could explain how to play to me. There was two teachers for this class and the younger teacher did not want the students to use the computer but the older teacher encouraged them to play and explore which I think was interesting. I also agree that there has to be more going on than a video game when children act out or develop anti-social behaviors.
ReplyDelete