Benefiting from Video Games

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The world we live in today is amazing. Nobody, 30 to 40 years ago, would have believed that video games would be as big as they are now. But, “What is a Video Game?” The term “Video Game” is defined as any of various games played using a microcomputer with a keyboard and often joysticks to manipulate changes or respond to the action or questions on the screen (cite). Video games were first created in the 1950’s (more info). The technology in video games is so great, developers can make a 3D model of a human being and place the digital characters into a virtual world. Everybody from all ages now plays video games either on a pc (personal computer), console (Xbox, Play Station), or a cell phone. It is a place where people can escape reality, dive into another world, and be somebody else. It is one of the greatest experiences a person can have. Now video games are being used for more than just our personal enjoyment. While trying to find different ways to help our society, researchers are finding ways to make even better use of video games. Video games can be a great resource to aid those in certain areas like education, rehabilitation, and health. Children are the future, they are educated in all areas of subjects like math, science, English, etc. and use different methods to make the relationship of how things work. For example, when a child is taught that 2+2=4, teachers use different methods of learning to get the point across so that the child understands how the numbers, when added, came to that solution. Video games offer that same kind of method, but uses interactive visual images to help with children in education. Granted, most video games developed by commercial game companies focus primarily on first-person shooter and... ... middle of paper ... ...re problems. Lisa disagreed, and has only seen improvements coming from her son Norrin. She gives a couple of reasons why video games have helped her son, like: concentration, hand-eye coordination, confidence, and communication. A game like Temple Run, a mobile game, that take a character on a endless running spree while collecting coins and dodging opponents to increase your overall high score. A game like that requires a lot of focus and concentration. At first, Norrin couldn’t point his finger, but after playing Angry Birds and Lisa teaching him how to use his index finger, he was able to improve his hand-eye coordination. When Norrin completes a game, his confidence increases. Playing video games has allowed Norrin to express himself, creating a back and forth conversation improving his communication skills, while also expressing his enjoyment for the game.

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