Gaming Resources to Share

In “What video games can teach us,” Emily Sohn (2004) mainly draws some positive effect of computer games on learning from Gee’s study. In elaborating on how computer games can provide kids with more opportunities to know more about computers, Sohn (2004) cites Gee’s words that “[k]ids today are NATIVES in a culture in which their parents are IMMIGRANTS.” Actually, a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that 83 percent of children aged 8 to 18 live in hoes with a video game console, of whom 40 percent have console in their bedroom (“Video games: Reading the ratings on the games people play”, 2006). So, the statistics undoubtedly resonate with Gee’s comment on kids’ native status in new media culture, in which game culture is included. The article presents three aspects of computer games: enhancing kids’ attention, promoting screen reading and improving visual skills. Also, there are two good Websits and one game about games mentioned in this article.

Animal Crossing

A Webshotof Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing is a life simulation video published by Nintendo. Sohn (2004) uses Animal Crossing as an example in discussing screen reading in computer games. According to Sohn (2004), in this game, the player becomes a character living in an animal town. The player needs to write notes to other players and talking to the animals. I found some demos on the Web of Animal Crossing. All the characters in this game communicate via text messages, because they speak a weird “nonsense” language that nobody would understand. The kids have to read while playing the game. The reading occurs in a playful environment.

Whyville

A Webshot of Whyville

Whyville is an educational Website recommended by Sohn (2004). Whyville is a virtual world where kids from all over the world can play and learn. The player can build a virtual identity, design a face, hang out with friends, earn clams by playing games and even start his/her own business. I think the name “Whyville” has suggests that kids are inspired to find a lot of “whys” in the virtual village.

The Education Arcade

A Webshot of the Education Arcade

Two games, Supercharged and Revolution in the Education Arcade are exemplified in Sohn (2004) article. Established by some researchers and scholars of digital games and education, the Education Arcade is to explore games and learning. In “Research” on the Web, there is a list of current publications on gaming and learning, including books, book chapters, journal articles, conference presentations, and workshops. There are a lot of useful resources for researchers who are interested in learning through gaming.

Animal Crossing is good to engage kids in reading and Whyville provides kids with a virtual world to communicate and learn in playing. Education Arcade is worth exploring for research on gaming.


References
Video Games: Reading the Ratings on the Games People Play. (2006). Retrieved April 12th, 2008, from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/videoalrt.shtm

Sohn, E. (2004). What video games can teach us. Retrieved April 12th, 2008, from http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20040121/Feature1.asp