Computer games in class...good thing or bad thing? Sure, the kids like it, but is it actually a healthy and worthwhile method for teaching, or is it just a way to keep the kiddos occupied?
Education computer games seem like a grand idea! They help kids practice certain concepts, and the variety in games ranges from music to math to most any subject necessary. Students like them - chock full of colors and animations, and maybe even characters from their favorite TV shows. My curiosity, however, is if there is any negative effects. I remember when the "Baby Einstein" movies came out. They were touted to be a great breakthrough in early education, but then research started surfacing about possible destructive qualities. Researchers questioned the possibility that brain development could be somehow effected by young children watching too much TV.
Computer games that can benefit education in a positive manner is a great way to develop kids problem solving skills. Obviously this would be a popular activity in schools these days.
ReplyDeleteI agree Beth that games in school can be a double edge sword. They can be beneficial to help those that may be strugling as Drew stated but they can also create problems with class management by the students being more interested in the games than the rest of the class. I believe that the teacher needs to ensure that those games are only available or in use at the proper time and to those students who have earned the use of the games or need it. Though this can also create more problems which means that their use should be handle with great thought and care.
ReplyDeletePeter
I agree Beth that if we constantly put kids in front of computer games or video content (television, movies or internet content) we can be doing more harm than good. However, I do think they serve a purpose in small doses and for single concepts.
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