Six Ways Video Games Are Saving Mankind

Even though this article is on Cracked.com (please ignore some of the language used), the studies in it are real. I hope the language does not offend anyone, but I found the article interesting enough to risk it and forward to those who are interested: Six Ways Video Games Are Saving Mankind

I think number six is important: when I was younger, I was told constantly that I would ruin my eyesight from playing games on the computer all the time. We are now finding out that we can give students assignments involving technology without completely destroying their retinas.

While number five is relating using video games to relieving stress, video games can also be exploited to help students remember facts. While this is usually used at younger ages, why can't we use it for older students?

Number one is surprising to me, although it is not completely shocking. Playing video games refines motor skills, sure, but actually allowing one to train to become a doctor, surgeon, etc.? This is just amazing to me, that blowing things up in Halo or learning to pick a lock in Skyrim can actually help in a career-setting.

If teachers can find ways to integrate things students are interested in, video games for example, into our lesson plans, we can engage the students and encourage them to actually participate more.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (Interactivity 1)

                Olivia has learned most of what she knows about technology on her own by using laptops in public places. No one in her class even had a computer at home, and few knew how to do things such as uploading pictures. The fact that Olivia rose above so much and became one of the best students in her graduating class has to be directly correlated to her ambition to learn things on her own through the computer. She was also a very fast texter, showing where she has spent much of her time with technology. If this can be applied in the classroom, students' interest can be drawn into learning.

                In the second video, it stood out to me when one girl said she makes ordinary things extraordinary with the help of technology. This is truly what most technology does: it makes a boring, difficult, or tedious task more enjoyable or efficient. I also like the boy who said being able to experiment with technology is what makes it what it is. The experience is the important part that causes us to really remember what we are learning.

And now the moment you have been waiting for...my items!

1) Cell phone: My cell phone has affected my life for the better. I can still remember my first phone, a TracPhone with prepaid minutes. Now I have a Blackberry. It is convenient not only for talking to my friends, but also for receiving messages and emails that are time-sensitive about rehearsals and gigs.  I do not see it as a negative because, unlike many of my peers, I do not see myself as addicted to it. (Yes, friends, go ahead and post about this one...) If I do not understand an assignment in class or have a question, I will often text a friend in the class to discuss the assignment.

2) Laptop: My laptop is a definite plus. Networking through social media, homework, writing papers, listening to music, playing games...it can do everything. Negative? When the internet does not work, and I need to do something, it makes me very anxious. My laptop affects the way I learn new information all of the time. The internet speaks for itself in this one.

3) Nook: I love my Nook. I read a TON (when I have time and am not doing work for class...). The Nook makes it incredibly convenient, as they have all the classic novels, and almost any book you could want to read...almost. Reading the amount I do really adds up in cost, but Nook books are very cheap, and download instantly. There is no waiting in a store, for a shipment, or on a list when a book is on hold at the library. Although it is not technically a communication device, you can share books and other things with friends.

                Olivia and I both use our cell phones to communicate with friends and social media, but they are not used in class as a learning tool. Many of the examples in the second video agreed that laptops are essential for today's students. However, we must remember as teachers that not every student has the opportunity to use one. Lastly, I was surprised no one mentioned an e-reader, but plenty of video game consoles were mentioned. Maybe we should be finding ways to create more educational games; and I do not mean cheesy ones, but ones students would actually be inclined to use.