Virtual Hoopla

In one of my classes this week, we were asked to think of the pertinent issues facing education and educators today. Most of them were predictable and I won't bore you with why, but we basically addressed standards, assessment, family/school relations, administration, etc. One problem that was brought up confused me though: video games. I sat quietly, waiting for some relevance to the classroom. Were the kids bringing gameboy type things into the classroom? Were we going to merge into technology and its impacts on the classroom? No, actually the best argument I heard (and I didn't find it adequate) was that kids played too late and were tired during class. Ah, time for the voice of reason here. The professor told us that we should really understand that kids always have always had reasons to stay up late and parents and teachers should be attempting to teach a sense of balance in life. But then, he ruined it all by saying that in his house, his kids were only allowed to play an hour of video games (every once and a while) and only educational games. What?? Now, I am merging from teacher to parent role here, but I think the argument remains solid. If the kid is sleeping well, doing his or her homework, and not annoying anyone, why not let the kid relax with some mindless games? We do the same with TV. Here, however, I realize that I am commenting on an issue that is really the choice of each parent. (Notice I did not say teacher!) But naturally, the debate continues.

I was given a free copy of a magazine today called Lucid. It rules, but that's besides the point. It has an article about video game violence and the effect it has on kids. The magazine is actually saying that people overreact with the connection to young violence. In the end, they say making this stuff forbidden only enticing a young audience. They of course point to extremes like games where "You could pee on people, cut 'em up with spades and play football with their heads." (Lucid, March-April 2005) I understand that these games are unnecessarily and particularly gory and bloody, but they quickly jump to explain children murderers. We blame unfortunate situations on bad horror movies or graphics-gone-gory video games. Am I saying there is no connection between this virtual violence and actual violence? Not necessarily because I am not sold either way on it. But it seems like the sky is always falling with progressions in technology.

Did these bad things exist before we had the means to broadcast them in mass media? Of course. My professor started out with a good point... balance, people! Understand that kids can play video games without become pint-sized serial killers. And frighteningly enough, just because little Suzie and Johnny didn't play video games doesn't mean they can't grow up to be evil. I know I sound rather predictable here, but stop blaming outside influences and look at personal responsibility! Take care of yourself and teach your kids to do the same.