Violent Games As Great Teachers

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."

Comments

This is absolutely true!

[eln]

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!

Pfft..

[Selfbain]

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!!