| Video games’ presence and popularity have been | | | | (ESRB) ratings. The rating system will suggest whether |
| ever-growing now days. They have become one of | | | | a game is appropriate for young children, or if it’s |
| the most popular entertainment activities for people of | | | | best for teens and older. Just remember you know |
| all ages including children. Parents should take | | | | your children better than anyone, so use the ESRB |
| advantage about this situation to use video games in | | | | ratings as a guide instead of a rule. |
| educational purpose. We should realize the challenge in | | | | 2. Find out what your children hoping for with talk to |
| video games always interesting in children views could | | | | them, but make sure that they understand you’re |
| function as powerful tools in assisting children cognitive | | | | going to find out more before making a final decision. I |
| processes. | | | | know you will get the games that may be educational |
| The use of multimedia in education has significantly | | | | as well as fun. |
| changed children’s learning processes.The promise | | | | 3. Hit some game review sites to get a preliminary list |
| of computers and video games as teachers was | | | | of games. and reviews most major games that have |
| recognize in the 1980s where there was a nationwide | | | | been released. The way you have the better idea to |
| push to get computers into the classroom. In the same | | | | select appropriate games both in content and level of |
| period video games also moved into children’s | | | | development for your children. |
| house. Many researchers investigate whether | | | | 4. Pay attention at the description of the rating. Find the |
| computer-based video games facilitate children’s | | | | explanation why it’s rated that way. This is an |
| cognitive learning achievement. And here are some of | | | | excellent starting point for whether a game is |
| the results. | | | | something you’d be comfortable with. |
| According to the findings of the study, future research | | | | 5. Try the demo before you buy it, especially if |
| should continue to investigate the impact of | | | | you’re not sure about the content. Many games |
| computer-based video games along with different | | | | have demo versions available for free download. You |
| instructional strategies on varied children’s learning | | | | can often find the demos on the game publishers’ |
| achievements, such as facts, concepts, | | | | site, but if not, you can search for it. |
| comprehension, problem-solving, or critical-thinking skills. | | | | Now parents can enjoy playing video games with their |
| Results from a number of research studies indicate | | | | children. But there are another step to make sure this |
| that appropriately designed multimedia instruction | | | | activity will not make problems. Here are a few tips to |
| enhances students’ learning performance in | | | | avoid negative impact of video games: |
| science, mathematics, and literacy. | | | | 1. Do not install video game equipment in your children |
| And while some of them have educational content and | | | | bedroom |
| promote learning, problem solving and help with the | | | | 2. Playing video games with their children to |
| development of motor skills and coordination, others | | | | experience the games content. |
| emphasize negative themes and promote killing, | | | | 3. Remembering that you are a role model for your |
| fighting, foul language, criminal behavior and violence in | | | | children – including video games you play as an |
| general. Some children accept violence as a way to | | | | adult. |
| handle problems. Studies have also shown that the | | | | 4. Set limits on how often and how long your child is |
| more realistic and repeated the exposure to violence, | | | | allowed to play video games. |
| the greater the impact on children. In addition, children | | | | 5. Strongly warning children about potential serious |
| with emotional, behavioral and learning problems may | | | | dangers of Internet contacts and relationships while |
| be more influenced by violent images. | | | | playing games online. |
| Parents should have a good knowledge and | | | | 6. Take the time to discuss with your children the |
| understanding of each child so that they can assist | | | | games they are playing. Ask them how they feel |
| them in selecting appropriate learning materials including | | | | about what they observe in these video games. |
| video games. These are some tips to buying games | | | | 7. Talking with other parents about your family video |
| for children: | | | | game rules. |
| 1. Checking the Entertainment Software Rating Board | | | | |