While there is a lot of controversy surrounding computer games and their negative impact on society, research suggests that computer games can actually be educative, beneficial and help in children’s learning and development.
Researchers have found that people who play computer games have better vision compared to non-players. Computer games also assist children in improving hand-eye coordination and improve reflexes. There is also evidence to suggest that computer games expand a child’s ability on “spatial subjects.� http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Chapter2.html
In fact, computer games actually contribute to a child’s education rather than worsen their minds, despite public opinion.
There is also argument to suggest that frequent game playing can make a person a social recluse, however, the truth is that computer game culture has formed its own community, in which players teach others how to overcome obstacles and work together to form tight friendships. Hence, computer games actually expand a player’s social life. http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/text2-27-2004-51038.asp
Doctors have found that computer games improve logical thinking and enhance problem solving skills. Games such as Sim City, where the player must construct cities and houses, develop a player's decision making and life skills. There are also many other educational games which aim to “improve communication and problem solving abilities, alertness, locate things easily without straining too much and so on.� http://www.azcentral.com/ent/vgames/articles/0420gameskills.html
Games such as 'Red Alert' and 'Age of Mythology' also help to develop war strategies. According to Daniel Rubin, author of [http://www.azcentral.com/ent/vgames/articles/0420gameskills.html
'Video Game Skills may give an Edge in Life'], the computer game’s goal is to educate, entertain and edify the game player. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/vgames/articles/0420gameskills.html
Teachers are currently trying to implement computer games into school curriculums as they have found that games improve students' maths, spelling and reading skills. Thus, “game-playing is a vital educational function for any creature capable of learning." http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Chapter2.html
The fundamental motivation for all game playing is to learn and this is why it is important. Other motivations include, “fantasy, exploring, proving oneself, social lubrication, exercise and need for acknowledgment.� http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Chapter2.html
While parents often wonder why their children are playing computer games rather than mix outside with their friends, many researchers say computer games are the key to success in an information age and kids are actually learning. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/vgames/articles/0420gameskills.html Their findings suggest that people who play computer games make sharper soldiers, drivers and surgeons, because their reaction time and peripheral vision is better. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/vgames/articles/0420gameskills.html People who play computer games take risks and react with ease in stressful situations.
"In a hunting society, kids learned bows and arrows. In an information society, playing games with resource management - where you need to process massive amounts of information to determine which is important and which you let slide - might be the right kind of play," says Henry Jenkins director of the comparative media studies program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/vgames/articles/0420gameskills.html
Furthermore, computer games can teach ethics, money handling skills, how to read text and multiplayer games broaden a player's social life so anyone regardless of colour, religion or age, can be a leader in their own right.
See also:
Jodie Gummow 13:28, 25 Oct 2004 (EST)
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Go to my Annotated Bibliography for a complete list of references
