Check us out in the January, 2003 issue of "Official U.S. Playstation Magazine," page 64.
Our thoughts on reading and videogames are quoted.

THINKING AND LEARNING SKILLS POTENTIALLY DEVELOPED BY PLAYING SOME
SIMULATION / ADVENTURE / ROLE-PLAYING VIDEO GAMES

OR

IS THERE ANY REDEEMING VALUE TO VIDEO GAMES??
BUT, SOME OF THEM ARE VIOLENT...

First, let's admit it. Too many video games are just plain violent. Although my list below of potential benefits that might be had from playing video games is valid, there are many games that, in my opinion, are just too violent for children (of any age) to play. The research on how violent games influences children, particularly young children, is pretty conclusive. So ... nothing in this article should be construed as an endorsement of video games generally, or any video game in particular. In my mind, parents (and teachers) need to exercise judgment on what video games children play.

Video games are rated and often the ratings are explained on the package. In general, games rated Teen or Mature deserve some attention ... the possibility of violent content is there. The trick is to find good role playing games, simulation games, or adventure games that do not embrace violence or excessive violence.
1. READING. Playing some adventure games forces you to read and to read carefully. It’s important to read carefully enough to get information which will help you solve problems. You can improve your reading by practice.

2. LOGICAL THINKING. There are many different kinds of thinking, and they can all be improved by trying them and by practicing them. An example of logical thinking: You need to get into a building, but it’s locked. Logically, what methods or steps must be used? When you need to get into a building, here are the steps that need to be taken: Get keys from pocket, select correct key, insert key into lock, turn key, open door handle, pushdoor open -- each step is important. The methods used to open a door are obvious, but most students need to think the steps through before they can use them. Another example of a thinking skill is the ability to think in sequential order. It’s amazing how hard that is for some people. Things need to be done in the correct order – in real life and in computer simulations.


3. OBSERVATION SKILLS. It’s amazing how little people really see – in real life and in simulations. Real observers – scientists, quarterbacks, etc. – notice every detail and use it in planning strategy. The LOOK AT command in simulations allow you to observe.


4. MAP-MAKING AND READING SKILLS. I’m surprised at how many students are poor at reading maps. Many eighth graders don’t remember the relation between North South East and West. Many don’t remember that on maps, North is usually at the top. Practicing working with maps improves these skills. Students also find it helpful to create a map when using most simulation or role-playing games.


5. VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT. Most students who use simulations improve their vocabulary. You’ll encounter words which you don’t know, but which you need to know to be successful at the simulation the game is providing.


6. FAMILIAR KNOWLEDGE. Familiar knowledge is knowledge of common things. In simulation games, experiences are expanded. You get to go places and have experiences which you couldn’t really have in real life.


7. SPELLING. Sometimes it’s important to spell things correctly in order to succeed in many simulation games. Anytime you spell a word correctly, you help yourself to remember the correct spelling.


8. NOTE TAKING. Just taking notes, keeping them orderly, and being able to find them is good study skills practice. And successful role-playing gamers often do just this.


9. PROBLEM SOLVING. Problem solving ability can be learned and practiced. At almost every step in simulation games you’re expected to solve a problem. This skill is an important skill in school, college, and in almost every career.


10. STRATEGY PLANNING. What methods should be used over the long hall to solve a problem? What steps need to be taken? Strategy planning is one method of problem solving.


WHERE ARE SIMULATION/ADVENTURE GAMES USED

1. Education. In many colleges and institutions, simulations are used for educational purposes.


2. Industry and business. Many industries and businesses use computer simulations to train their employees and executives. There are Wall Street simulators, production line simulators, and many other types of business simulators.


3. Military. Computer simulations are common in the military. They help officers learn military strategy.


4. Flight training. Almost all pilots, particularly those in airlines and the military, do some training on computer flight simulators.


5. NASA. Astronauts train on simulators before actual missions.