Computer Games Continue to Gain in Popularity

December 7, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Computers

Nigel asked:


Computer games are liked just as much by adults as they are by children. Computer games are not just for amusement but they can also teach you to think clearly and make rapid decisions. The computer game is normally sold on standard storage media, such as compact discs, DVD, and floppy disks. Computer games are available for the home PC or can be played in different forms at Amusement arcades and many Corner shops.

Learning With Computers

Computers have the potential to address the needs of a wide range of learning styles, and sometimes many needs can be accommodated within a single computer game program. Computer games allow you to step into their virtual worlds, to become part of the events that are taking place within the game. Computer games offer the pleasure of mastery, both visual and intellectual. Computer software today is not really that costly compared to other forms of common entertainment. Learning can sometimes become boring and repetitive but by using computer games to help with the learning process the attention span can be captured and retained for many people including children.

Computer Games

Games are a basic part of human existence. There are many areas of computer gaming available for example, adventure, fantasy role playing and war games. Games played on home computers may utilize a keyboard, mouse or game pad (usually in some combination with each other). A broadband connection to the web is very common in most homes and allows game players to interact in multi player games with others across the world as though they are sitting next to each other in the same room. Games are objectively unreal in that they do not physically re create the situations they represent, yet they are subjectively real to the player.

Playing Games

Computer games are also now adult entertainment, and we shouldn’t actually be surprised that adults want the same sort of things out of games as they do out of movies. Computer games are constantly pushing the envelope of a computer’s capabilities so to build a computer that handles them with ease hits a high mark. As technology improves and better computer hardware is made, the computer game programmers are able to create even more life like games to entertain the masses. Now that PCs can easily handle full-motion video, nearly every modern computer game is structured into levels punctuated by cinematic interludes. The game is wrapped in a story, and the reward for successfully achieving the game goals is that you get to see more of the story unfold.

Playing chess will make you better at strategic decisions, while playing football will keep you fit. Playing video games can keep your mind active and is fun whilst helping you develop and improve hand to eye co-ordination and rapid decision making skills. These skills are very useful in life and are used in many different situations we encounter in day to day life. There is a massive range of computer games on the market today, so no matter what your taste, there will be a computer game for you.



Computer Games Good For Kids

August 10, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Computers

Sarah Avery asked:


A study conducted in the U.K. found that primary school children improve their math scores and concentration levels by playing online educational games, according to an article released in the BBC last month. Thirty primary school children between the ages of nine and ten, played a game called “Dr. Kawashima’s More Brain Training” game every morning for about 15 minutes before their lessons started. The game consists of several mini-games including reading tests, number challenges, memory puzzles and problem-solving exercises. At the end of the study, the children were tested in math and the results compared to a control group. Children who had played the games increased their test scores by more points than those who did not play, even though the test scores for both groups increased.

So what does this mean? With educational games popping up by various manufacturers all over the world, a trend is emerging. Combining a child’s “play” time with education, seems to have positive results. Making learning fun-as in part of a game-increases a child’s desire to learn. The repetition of playing is more enjoyable than simply working math problems over and over and the concentration needed, as well as the child’s own competitive desire to beat the game, adds to the beneficial outcome.

So is it time to buy a computer for your kid? Possibly.

Setting up a computer desk and computer in your child’s room or play room may help. Give your child his/her own space with a computer desk at the proper height for comfort. We found fully customizable computer desks at excellent prices on Versatables’ website.

A computer just for your child can also be the way to go. Giving him/her his own computer allows you, as a parent, to lock off inappropriate features like internet websites and pop-ups, and download fun games and colorful desktops and screen savers.

Customize your child’s computer work area with fun mouse pads or a mouse (Target sells a Hello Kitty mouse for under $10). Versatables’ computer desks can also be customized with shelves, speaker platforms, and locking CPU holders and cable management systems that provide a safer environment for children.

Stickers can be used to decorate the outside of the monitor and the keyboard, or use the computer and desk to create a themed room. For example, an aquatic themed room would look great with a fishbowl screensaver, or a princess-themed room could have a photo slide show of Disney’s princess characters.

When picking computer games, be sure to do your research. Many have been tested and are endorsed by schools and learning centers. Keep in mind, anyone can put out educational software, and just because it says it’s educational, doesn’t mean your child will learn from it. Choose games that are age-appropriate and that your child enjoys playing. Give your child time to play before studying, as increased blood flow to the frontal cortex (which happens during game play) can increase memory and concentration for hours afterward, making them ripe for learning.

While much of what you hear about computers and kids is negative press, keep in mind that computers allow us to do much more than we could without them and with proper parental control, they can be key in giving your child the educational edge.



Computer Games in the Classroom? What’s the World Coming To!

May 21, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Computers

Sheryl Wood asked:


Computers are here to stay. They are in nearly every classroom and nearly every grade school child is already comfortable using one. Computers bring cutting edge technology and current information to students. Their contribution can be extended to include entertaining learning in the form of computer games.

Why are computer games being used in the classroom? Are they simply there to fill time in place of board games or outdoor playing, or do they serve an educational purpose? While games are often used to fill those times when students need something entertaining to do, they do serve a very important purpose.

Children enjoy using the computer. In fact, long before most kids have thought about school they have been on a computer. Video games, both computerized and on the television, are also extremely popular with children. Children will play computer games, so why not use them to reinforce educational material while they play?

Computer games in the classroom do not replace the teacher’s role. They are used for practice and drill in most situations. While some subjects, such as typing, are taught almost entirely using computer software, the computer is used in other subjects for practice. Take spelling as an example. When students need to practice their spelling words, a simple computer game like hangman could be used to help them practice in a fun, relaxed manner.

Educational software can be used in the home as well as the school. You know that your kids love to play on the computer. Imagine giving them a game to play that is fun while at the same time works to strengthen their math skills. Both you and your children’s teacher will approve of that type of screen time!

Educational computer games can also help strengthen the thinking skills of students. Games that ask students to solve mysteries are a great way to develop critical thinking skills in a fun, supportive way. These types of games are the ones that kids can play and learn without realizing that they are learning something!

When using computer games in the classroom, it is important to monitor what your students are doing. For example, you may find that a student always plays the basic math game that he knows he can win. He doesn’t really need to practice in spelling, so you might encourage him to embark on a history mystery game instead. Whenever possible, computer games should be used to work on skills that a student needs to strengthen.

Like all things in education, computer games require a balanced approach. Most children would be willing to play games all day long. Of course, this isn’t a good way to teach students. On the other hand, never allowing a student to play on the computer could be harming him. He will be missing out on valuable practice time and a fun way to approach learning. The balance should allow students to play, while at the same time providing traditional instruction throughout the school day.

So the next time you walk into your child’s school and see her on the computer, don’t worry. She is being entertained, challenged and learning at the same time! Computer games play a vital role in a well-balanced classroom, so take some time to thank your teacher for allowing your kids some time to play!