Gamers have know it for years, but thanks to Runescape and its players, academics have proven some online gaming experiences are actually good for kids.
The conclusion of a three-year study by Brunel University shows that some computer games can actually play a good role in helping a child develop social and educational skills.
The study, which took the form of qualitative research into a community of players of the online game Runescape, shows that gaming is far from being a frivolous diversion from homework. The online worlds created by the gamers mirror many aspects of material society. For example, gamers are invited to join 'Klans' - highly disciplined co-operatives in which they share a common set of goals, they adopt identities such as merchant or warrior and they divide their time online between work and leisure. Most importantly, skills are learnt which are highly valued, with experienced players tailoring their 'training' to acquire the 'desirable' skills - a clear example of 'work related learning'.
Comments Nic Crowe from the Centre for Youth Work Studies in the School of Sport and Education at West London's Brunel University, who carried out the research in conjunction with Dr Simon Bradford: "A recent survey showed that most young people spend as much time on computer games as they do on their homework - three hours a day. This is the kind of information to strike fear into the hearts of concerned parents and educationalists alike, as they perceive it as idle 'downtime'. However, this is far too simplistic a view.
"Our study shows that the online gaming communities are complex and highly developed, acting as 'training grounds' for the transition from school to work" Nic continues: "When playing, gamers are undergoing a complex process of 'work related learning' - learning how to cope with work scenarios - which is far removed from the traditionally held negative view of gaming. Put simply, these games have a central - and positive - role to play in the development and education of young people."
Myth Games
This one’s sure to drive the anti-gaming folks crazy as they try to twist and turn the results to match their agenda. For more information about Runescape, click here.
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