In response to Chapters 1 and 2 in Gee's book, the one idea that stands out for me the most is the concept that there is some type of learning that takes place in every video game. The learning may not be the same in every game, but by learning to play a game, and by taking the time to get good at a game, children (and adults) are learning something that can be applied to other areas of their lives.
When I read what Gee wrote about the first-person shooter games I laughed at myself because I sometimes think video games can get too violent, but I love playing the shooter games. A few years ago, while working at camp, I was at an arcade with a student who needed someone to play with, so I was his partner. All he wanted to do was play shooter games, and I got addicted. If I go to an arcade now, I still want to play the shooter games. However, I have never, and would never own or shoot a real gun. I know that as an adult I can separate the concept of shooting in a game and shooting in real life. With proper adult supervision and advisement, I believe most children can too.
Looking at video games as a semiotic domain, and comparing it to other semiotic domains allows us to appreciate the language, structure, and characteristics of video games that make them unique. I believe that adults who are not gamers need to start looking at video games from a different perspective. I know that I have. I am interested in figuring out what aspects of games I can apply in my teaching because obviously children are able to learn how to play games (and play them well).
On the other hand, if I was a parent who had to constantly compete with my child’s desire to play video games instead of doing what he/she is supposed to do, I don’t know if I would be so in favor of encouraging them to play.
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Isn't it funny -- why do you think you like to play first person shooter games? What is it that draws you to them, do you think? And what kinds of learning do you think they represent, as compared to other kinds of games? One thing I want to kind of "unpack" are the things we do when we play games -- the ways we think spatially, or read about games online, or write about them as we try to figure them out (like on this blog). What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think it's the challenge and the excitement that makes me enjoy the shooter games. Unless you get a perfect score (which I have never done), there is always room for improvement. I'm not exactly sure about the learning that goes on during shooter games, but for me, I've learned how to adjust, react quickly, think quickly, remember specific patterns and courses (the more you play, the more familiar you become with the courses that you must clear to get to the higher levels), recognize the differences between the good guys and the bad guys, also, I feel very empowered when I'm playing this kind of game. It allows me to get a lot of aggression out, which is kind of scary because I can see how some might bring this aggressiveness to the real world.
ReplyDeleteI think that shooter games are good for memory practices, eye-hand coordination and practicing agility (especially when you play the kind with motion sensors where you have to duck out of the way and dodge bullets coming at you).
I have never read about games online or in gamer magazines, but throughout this semester I may find myself doing so in order to improve my game playing. I am definitely willing to learn from others because they know what they are doing.