I didn't enjoy video games growing up. Pac-man, Kaboom and Asteroids were boring to me. Then again, given the choice I would rather read a book than watch a movie. I would rather play a sport and be outside than use my thumbs to press buttons for hours.
Until recently my kids did not play electronic games either. Why should they? What a waste of time; mind-numbing time. I know many Moms feel the same way. As a matter of fact, I talked to three of them just last week. Essentially the media has Moms believing that all electronic games are violent (much like this heart wrenching video portrays.) Picture your youngster saying these words!! OUCH!
Then, Rick Ferdig, a trusted colleague, started talking about his new research in educational gaming. Rick is a very bright and interesting fellow so I listened skeptically. Then, another respected colleague, Jeff Boyer, gave me a book entitled: "How computer games help children learn" by David Williamson Shaffer. I followed up that read with "Don't bother me, Mom, I am learning" by Mark Prensky. Both Rick and Jeff could be considered gaming junkies but they got me thinking and reading.
My kids now play a limited number of games on the computer and we have recently purchased a Wii thanks to the persistence of my husband (No boxing or other violent games allowed.) The passion and enthusiasm my kids display is amazing. My oldest son, Danny (5), became a bowling "pro" last weekend. He was jazzed and started telling everyone (including me) how they could become a "pro" like him. The skills (social, academic and technical) my little ones have displayed via electronic games over the past couple of months have amazed me.
While we still spend most of our time doing things other than electronic gaming, it has added another dimension to our household and another item to the list of favorites (which includes the art box, the piano keyboard, the bikes, the pool and a wide variety of balls, frisbees, bats and other sports accessories).
While I am still holding tight to the "evils" of most television-viewing, my perspectives on electronic gaming are slowly changing. I see a smirk on many of my colleagues' faces already.
