Journal # 5: Video Games: Harmful or Helpful

NETS-T: 5

Butcher, G., & Dunbar, K. (2012). Video Games; Harmful or Helpful. Learning &Leading with Technology, 39(7), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Video_Games_Harmful_or_Helpful.aspx

Summary:

   Being three weeks into my ED422 class I have learned that technology should not be hindered within the classroom but allowed to flourish. Having read articles from Learning & Leading has also demonstrated how important technology is within the classroom as well as outside the classroom. For today's post I decided to read a article that touches on the debate between video games being harmful or helpful. Butcher who is a IT instructor believes that video games can be quit harmful. Educational technology and video games play two very different roles in a child's life. When students play games on the computer it gives them a rush of excitement in which learning just cant compete with. Butcher continues to argue that video actually can cause more stress, giving it the opposite affect.On the flip side Dunbar who is a technology integration specialist argues that video games are helpful. Dunbar believes that it is the task given by the video game and the easiness that the child knows they can complete the task, that proves video games are helpful. He believes that by spending more time focusing on what kids are learning will help in improving the image of kids and video games. 

Q: Do you believe that video games are harmful or helpful?

     Both gentlemen bring up very good points in their arguments, but I base my chose from personal experiences. Growing up I would use Reader Rabat to practice math problems, or perfect my writing. There are so many computer and video games out their that allow children to take more then just excitement. I would say that video games though can be at sometimes harmful are more helpful to the younger generations.

Q: How does this article relate to the class and NETS?

      I believe that their is always two sides of an idea. With technology a lot of the class is for technology. In reading about how video games (technology) can be harmful I am able to make a better decision as to how I want to base my classroom. As for the NETS, I believe that this touches on NETS-T 5. It helps me as the reader grow as well as share knowledge on the matter of video games.