4 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Most parents when faced with the thought of their children playing a video or reading a book will choose the book. But is this the right choice? In an article entitled, "Give a child a video game and maybe a job," by Lisa Baertlein, it stated that while schools don't agree with the idea of video games in school, it might be the path schools need to explore. The United States military uses video games to train soldiers, surgeons utilize video games to keep their hands nimble which will help them in performing surgery, and now even some United States corporations are using video games to train their employees in various tasks to include computer skills and on the job training skills.

As with anything relating to children, parents need to be mindful of what they are doing. If it is a book, it needs to be checked before the child reads it; if it is a television show, it needs to be watched before the child is allowed to watch it or even the music they listen too, the same thing applies. With video games, parents still need to be vigilant of what content is experienced in games, which could mean the parent will have to play the games to ensure that they are age appropriate for their children or for the parents to research the video games first.

Some schools across the nation are using online games to promote business skills. Through business classes and marketing classes offered through the high school level, children are learning how to organize an advertising campaign and how to run a business. In the past, schools might have utilized a school store to teach children how to run a business. Now, they are turning toward the Internet to teach children these skills. It offers a less interactive experience for the children but they are able to try different scenarios to broaden their experiences. Whereas a child would be able to get hands on experience in a school store, they are limited in their experience with the online games.

Video games are not just for entertainment any longer, they are being used more and more to help people succeed in the corporate environment. To succeed in the corporate environment every available tool needs to be utilized to ensure the individual's success along with the growth and success of the company. So the next time your child is playing a video game, try to look at it as a learning experience instead of a detriment to their success as an adult.

Learn more about this author, Patti Winters.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The use of video games as a learning tool?
We want to hear your view. Write now!