I suppose you could say that I'm a gamer; however, my husband is the real (more addicted) gamer in the family. Call of Duty is on our TV more than actual television shows. I play games because I find them relaxing and enjoy the interaction more than just watching TV. I am conflicted about kids and gaming. As with everything, there should be a balance of how much time they spend with games and what they are being exposed to. Currently, my 8-year old is addicted to Minecraft; however, she has been having trouble with reading and spelling. To hopefully combat her addiction and aid with reading and spelling, I've downloaded some educational apps to her iPad - that way, she can play and learn. My husband is busy teaching my son hand-eye coordinator through the fine art of Playstation controllers (or so I like to tell myself...).Positive and Negatives Effects of Video Games highlights both the good and bad of gaming. I enjoyed it because it didn't just point out the negative and gave helpful tips on types of games.
The year was 1975. As I emerged from my mother, I was able to watch a new game show that had just premiered called Wheel of Fortune. Space Mountain opened at Magic Kingdom in Disney World - it would be 37 years before I was able to ride it. Ok...perhaps those aren't major events. However, in 1975, the Watergate Scandal was drawing to a close with the conviction and sentencing of Former US Attorney John Mitchell. Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft. And the Vietnam War ended with the Fall of Saigon.
Anita, I agree with you that there needs to be a balance when it comes to kids and video games. I don't see any harm if kids play them sometimes, as long as they still have that social interaction with friends and others. I think educational apps are great for students. My host teacher used them on her IPad during my student teaching, and they really engaged the students. They couldn't wait to play them.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't born yet, so I don't remember those events. Although, I am still waiting to go to Disney World myself :)
I was in the fifth grade the year you were born and the opening of Space Mountain was a major event!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your position on gaming. Balance is key! I was born in the late 80s, but have learned of these events in history classes at some point in my life.
ReplyDeleteI think balance is important too. I can see how video games are relaxing and how you could enjoy the interaction!
ReplyDeleteIn 1975 I wasn't born yet but I love Space Mountain!
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ReplyDeleteI am in line with both of your stances on games. I play games for entertainment instead of television and I believe games can be used to educate kids. My nephews are addicted to Minecraft right now too, even though I tell them that the graphics and gameplay is horrible ;-)
ReplyDeleteI was born a year after you so I don't have any experiences with your events.
I agree that kids should have balance and I think it was smart of you to have your 8-year old play games that could help her read, since she obviously likes video games. Kids shouldn't be obsessed with video games. They need the physical socialization of playing outside with neighbors or friends. Video games can sometimes encourage kids to be anti-social and more individualistic.
ReplyDeleteI love Space Mountain at Disney World. Also, my grandmother and I watched Wheel of Fortune every night when I was younger. She loves her game shows!
Hi Anita!
ReplyDeleteI find it funny that you say you are a gamer but your husband is a bigger addict. I have never experience Call of Duty but I have heard it mentioned many times. I am being certified in high school chemistry so I hear the students talk about the games they play and Call of Duty is on the top of the list. I agree there is a limit to the amount of time a child should spend playing video games. I also agree that the content should be monitored so young children can stay young. I think it is wonderful that you have identified you child as a gamer and use that for her and your benefit. If you know she likes gaming then giving her educational games is a good way for her to learn.
I cannot say I watched the original Wheel but I have watched the current version many times. I have personally never been to Disney but I have heard it is a fun filled trip. You listed so very interesting and important events.
Thanks for sharing!
Anita, I also enjoy playing games for relaxation or escape. My little boy does not play any games yet (he is 4), but for some reason he enjoys watching me play Frogger and Zombies Ate My Neighbors on the Wii. I agree with your statement about balance, its not good for anyone, old or young, to be obsessed with something and leave out other elements of your life. I wasn't alive in the year you were born, but it is interesting Wheel of Fortune started that year! I didn't know it had been around that long!
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