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Violent Games As Great Teachers

Posted by Zonk on from the takes-skill-to-pull-off-that-hit dept.

Gamepolitics and the site Physorg have an in-depth look at a study (pdf) done on the educational nature of violent games. While the implications of the study reinforce the old 'games lead to violent kids' saw, the authors of the research stress that they're more interested in talking up the benefits of games in education. "When considered in the light of what is known to be the "best practices" of education, violent video games appear to be exemplary teachers of aggression ... It should therefore be no surprise that video games are excellent teachers, both of educational content and of violent content... The fact that learning occurs regardless of whether the effects are intentional or unintentional is irrelevant, and should make us more thoughtful about designing games and choosing games for children and adolescents to play."

3 of 69 comments (clear)

  1. This is absolutely true! by eln · · Score: 4, Funny

    My son is in 3rd grade and plays violent video games almost constantly. He's struggling in math and reading, but he's killing at an 8th grade level!

  2. Pfft.. by Selfbain · · Score: 2, Funny

    I've been playing violent video games since I was a little kid and I'm probably one of the most non violent people you will ever meet AND I WILL VIOLENTLY DISEMBOWEL ANYONE WHO CLAIMS OTHERWISE!!

    --
    Well, it has never been successfully tested.
  3. Re:Learning a violent act != being more violent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Also, the same games that teach violent skills may also teach problem solving skills.


    Oh absolutely! Once I applied the lessons I learned in Half-Life to real life things have been so much easier.

    Sure, carrying a crowbar, .357 Magnum, and a shotgun everywhere does draw a few odd looks but if I bang the crowbar against the wall or floor a few times most folks stop staring right away. If they don't I just wildly brandish the .357 a bit and most of them start scurrying off.

    Now and then Dr. Breen sends some of those guys in the gas masks but the shotgun works wonders on them.

    Gotta run! Looks like Dr. Breen is at it again. I don't know what his problem is but once I find him I'm sure I can solve it.