Are Video Games are good for you?

richard.kuhlenschmidt@famundo.com (Richard Kuhlenschmidt) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 07:39:00 -0400

There has been a lot of controversy swirling around for years on the effect of video games on kids, whether they are simply time-wasters or actually detrimental.

Now there is a new book out that makes the case that video games are not only good for kids, but are preparing them for life in the 21st Century.

In Don’t Bother Me Mom-~~I’m Learning! How Computer and Video Games Are Preparing Your Kids For Twenty-first Century Success -~~ and How You Can Help! , author Marc Prensky makes his case in favor of video games.

Prensky who is a speaker, writer, consultant, and designer in the areas of education and learning, states that that video and computer game playing, within limits, is actually very beneficial to today’s “Digital Native” kids, who are using them to prepare themselves for life in the 21st century.

The reason kids are so attracted to these games, Prensky says, is that they are learning about important “future” things, from collaboration, to prudent risk taking, to strategy formulation and execution, to complex moral and ethical decisions.

Prensky’s cites examples of gamers who have become successful corporate workers, entrepreneurs, leaders, doctors, lawyers, scientists and other professionals. It is well know that gaming has been used as a training tool for the military for a number of years. In fact, Prensky runs a DoD sponsored website Department of Defense Game Developer’s Community that serves as a community resource for military personnel, contractors and consultants with an interest in military training games.

Since most adults simply can’t play these modern complex games themselves, most of their opinion is informed by secondhand sources of information, most of whom are sadly misinformed about both the putative harm and the true benefits of game-playing. This book tries to clear the air on video games and provides parents with techniques approaches they can use to improve both their understanding of games and their relationships with their kids.

If you have a gamer or future gamer in your house, this book is definitely worth picking up.

The Famundo Blog: Are Video Games are good for you?

Are Video Games are good for you?