Despite my age and gender, I am an avid video game player and I started when Pong was cutting edge! I haven’t participated much in any computer based games as I prefer different game systems such as Nintendo, Playstation, and X-Box. Currently my system of choice is the Wii.
For me, video games are not just a mindless waste of time. When I start playing, regardless of the game, Spyro, Zelda, or Second Opinion Trauma Center, I am on a mission to master the game. While playing any of the above-mentioned games, my hand eye coordinate becomes more acute, I become more observant of the gaming environment, and I think about strategies on how to get to the next level of game play. I just don’t sit in front of the television screen mindlessly pressing buttons; I’m truly engrossed in the game and my strategical thoughts. Video games promote active learning, not passive learning. The instructions that come with a game provide you with enough information to get started and then you need to figure out how to proceed, unlock secret areas, get to the next level of game play and, ultimately, to the end of the game.
Although video games typically do not fall into the traditional realm of learning, they are becoming more integrated in family life in preparing youngsters for school with reading and math games that are interactive. Being interactive is one part of becoming a good member in a learning community. Video games also teach children responsibility. For example, Nintendo DS has a game entitled Nintendogs that teaches pet responsibility while having fun participating in competitions, agility training, and grooming. Not that I need to learn pet responsibility, but I have this system and game as well. I just like to play with the cute little puppies and, admittedly, get quite competitive in the training and agility competitions!
Science has found that video games help promote better brain activity and may even be a preventive exercise against Alzheimer’s disease. Nintendo DS has a game out, Brain Age that directly targets that certain audience.
From fantasy games, surgery games, interacting with cute puppies, to games that promote better brain activity, I play them all and enjoy every minute of doing so.
