The boys have been playing a lot of Halo Reach, Minecraft and Realm of the Mad God, and the girls (and boys, and even Nicole) have been enjoying Plants vs Zombies, Stick Run and Ninja Wars on Facebook to name just a few of the more popular ones.
These are some things that I have been observing:
1. Connection: The games are one way that they all connect with each other around a shared interest/passion. Boys and girls, ages 9 - 15 spend hours a day relating to each other in lively, animated, fun-filled ways. They all really bonded with Nicole around Plants vs Zombies too, especially Dante. They all knew so much about it, and we hadn't even heard of it before! It is very fun to watch!
Not only do they connect with each other, they instantly connect with their friends as well. The game Minecraft has been especially good for this as they tell each other about the houses they have built, the diamonds they have found, and the other various things they have encountered in the game, as well as chat about the most recent updates and when it is coming out for the Xbox.
2. Communication: They spend a lot of time talking to each other about strategies, techniques, cheats, and more. They share information with each other verbally, and also show each other how to beat levels, get stuff, build things, etc. It is all very hands-on and interactive. If there is confusion, then better words and more explanation often help. Their discussions are often very lively and filled with laughter and "ooos" and "aaaahhhsss".
3. Reading: They are reading stuff all the time - instructions, chats, storyline, cheats, tips, etc. Those who can read help those who can't yet read as well. The younger ones are always asking, "How do you spell?" when they need to type something in on Facebook or on a game.
4. Technology: By using the various technologies (different types of computers with different operating systems, Internet, Xbox, Wii), they are becoming experts at using technology comfortably, and for their own purposes. They go on servers to play with other people and know how to navigate websites and programs better than I do. I am often learning things from them!
5. Information: They know how to get information they need to progress in the games. They read Wiki pages when needed, look up YouTube videos to learn how to build things on Minecraft or get past certain levels on other games and watch tutorials.
6. Game design: They are learning what makes a good game: what is fun, what isn't, what are good graphics and are they necessary, what is the role of speed, the other players, online play in a web browser vs downloading it for play anytime, like with Minecraft, and so much more!
7. Graphics: Eli has begun using Autodesk Maya 3-D to create models, and wants to learn more about video game design/art. He has watched several tutorials, has started learning from a book and is excited to work with a mentor (if we can find one). Here's a car that he made to show me what he already knew how to do. I have trouble even seeing things in the 3-D mode. His spatial and artistic skills are greater than mine by far!
8. Concentration/focus: When playing the games, they concentrate and focus intensely for long periods of time on accomplishing their goal. They want to do this.
9. Perseverance: They don't give up. They work and work to beat levels, build better buildings, be more creative, take greater risks, and are always learning more and more about how the game works and what they can do. They keep pushing their understanding of the game and skills to higher and higher levels.
10. Fun/play: They are having a lot of fun. They are playing. They are laughing and enjoying themselves. They have a lot of energy and bounce around all day, running up and down between three floors to check in on what others are doing.
So, I'm okay with them spending several hours per day playing video games. I wasn't always okay with this, and I am grateful to people like Sandra Dodd and other longtime unschoolers who have shared their many years of experience with children and video games on Yahoo groups, blogs and Facebook. I have opened my mind and examined my fears in a way that allowed me to get on board with my children's enthusiasm and excitement around the world of video games.
It's weird, because as a kid, I was allowed to watch as much media as I wanted. We had an Apple IIE and other computers and video gaming consoles, like Intellivision in our household. I have been using computers since I was 10, and several of my most recent jobs were jobs where I used a computer all day long (marketing, website design and management, graphic design, editing, and more).
As a young parent I had quite a bit of fear for my children's brain development and wasn't sure how to proceed with media and video games, even though my early experiences with computers, video games, TV and movies did not have a negative impact on me!
Moreover, my brother, who played way more video games than I ever did has made REALLY GOOD MONEY using computers, designing applications, marketing, and creating online e-commerce sites. He has traveled to Europe and India based on computer-related businesses. He has worked with computer programmers and designers in many countries throughout the world.
Mostly, I see that the kids are enjoying themselves and are learning a ton - on so many levels - interpersonal, intrapersonal, intellectual, and creatively.
Some people will say, "Yeah, but they are really just playing video games."
I see what else is going on and how much learning is taking place - and I trust it will take them to the next place they need/want to go.
That is the beauty of living this unschooling life; I am able to see learning in places where others can't (or don't really want to, or don't value). Learning doesn't happen just in school and it doesn't need to be checked and proven by tests and grades.
I am glad that I moved beyond fear and have embraced the value of video games and games in general. It has really opened us up to so much more that this world and the creative people in it have to offer.
Here are some links to TED Talks that talk about video gaming:
Seth Priebatsch: The game layer on top of the world
Jane McGonigal: Gaming can make a better world
Here's an article, one of many, about the benefits of gaming.
When Gaming is Good for You
