give it a good read, as it questions (w/ some research, not just opinion) many popularly held notions: that our society is getting less
intelligent; that video games aren't as good for teens as books are; that homework is essential for learning.buckle up and enjoy!
3 comments:
Hey pastor scott,
i don't think that society is dumbing down. Kids these days are smarter than ever in some ways. It's more that we are giving up on having relationships with them. Our kids are plenty smart, in the things category. I teach fourth and fifth grade boys in this great city of modesto. What I see is that our society does not make time for our kids anymore. We pacify them with gadgetry instead of build them up with positive relationships and sound role models. What I find to be true with many of my boys is that a good heart felt 15 minute conversation will teach them more than 5 nights of homework.
Blessing
Dirt Bag
I don’t believe that dumbing up or down is at issue. Let’s just say that people are getting “smarter” to avoid this argument and go to the real issue.
Now what good does knowledge do us unless knowledge gained is applied? As an engineer I have all the knowledge it takes to build a car. What good does it do me if I don’t put it into practice and build a car? Therefore what I learn or know must be of some practical use or it is useless. One could memorize the entire Bible and it would not matter unless the information was of put to practical use.
I disagree with the author’s statement about video games. “They don’t have a set of unambiguous rules that have to be learned and then followed during the course of play. This is why many of us find modern video games baffling: we’re not used to being in a situation where we have to figure out what to do. We think we only have to learn how to press the buttons faster. But these games withhold critical information from the player. Players have to explore and sort through hypotheses in order to make sense of the game’s environment, which is why a modern video game can take forty hours to complete.”
For one thing there is a clearly defined set of rules one must follow to gain any measure of success in a video game. There are patterns & puzzles to figure out and overcome. Many hours are spent engaged in this activity. Yet even the games designers, who set these rules, are not able to succeed (win) at these games without the “CHEATs.” Now then what have I learned?
He states that the game withholds critical information from a player. Any game that is strategic has information withheld. Consider any card or board game and you will discover that your opponent is with holding information. If not, there would be no game!
It is what one learns in the process that matters. We are asked to consider the complexity of watching the “Sopranos” or “24”, reading or watching “Harry Potter” and the video Game of “Grand Theft Auto III”. Each and every one of these pieces of “entertainment” is the epitome of current cultural amorality. Most of you readers will agree that “Grand Theft Auto III” must be the most profane, pornographic video game known. Since I do not spend much time in the game arena I am certain that there are many more. What is it that one is “learning” while succeeding and being entertained by this shows, books, and games? I do not think that needs an answer.
The question one should ask is, “Why do we find these media presentations entertaining in the first place?” Herein lies the truth and is it good? Is it beneficial?
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Phil. 4:8
Greg,
I agree with your comment regarding spending time with our children.
I am an old man and don’t quite understand where you stand regarding “Homework”. I hated it. But as I aged I began to understand the need for it. It is probably more important for the teacher than the student.
A teacher must be able to gain insight to his students and their current learning level. Testing never really accomplishes this task. Homework is the best means to gauge the student’s ability to make use of what was learned that day in class and to prepare for the next day’s classes. It is also a means of reinforcement to what was learned that day. It is good discipline for future success in the business and working world as well.
A teacher by evaluating the student’s homework can learn each student’s understanding of what was learned and how he puts it to use. The teacher then is better able to meet the needs of his students and proceed with a modified plan.
To administer a classroom of students learning from level “A” to level “F” and below is extremely complex and challenging. What a great blessing it is to succeed in your endeavor and see your students progress.
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