[LM_NET] GEN: games - no way

[Dorothy Scanlan <dgscanlan02@YAHOO.COM>]

Bob and Shonda, thanks for your thoughtful, evenhanded responses.  I first want to 
clarify a point which may have been vague.  When I wrote about games, I was 
referring strictly to computer and video games.  Of course there are some fabulous 
board and card games!  And I would consider purchasing some for my library.  I 
actually do have two chess/checkers tables which are popular - and I'm happy about 
that.  
   
  I agree, Bob, that I have learned more from self-directed pursuits than I did in 
school.  This is a mantra that I tell my own two teenage boys.  I don't think 
playing video and computer games or reading Manga falls into that category, though. 
  
   
  I am not technophobic;  I am one who has easily learned to use technology.  I 
recently downloaded IM  - only to use with my sister who lives in Egypt.  I haven't 
used it yet with her.  The intent has been there to explore Joyce Valenza's blog, 
but I haven't had time.  I am amazed at the people who have TIME to post to blogs 
regularly.  
   
  Absolutely:  life is too short not to have fun when you possibly can. This thread 
certainly ties in to the cultural illiteracy thread.  There are two ways we can 
present Shakespeare.  We can implicitly apologize to our students by "making" them 
read something so old-fashioned and out-of touch (which of course, it isn't), or we 
can present Shakespeare as something fun and worthwhile to learn.  It's not hard!
   
  Shonda, your Dance Revolution sounds like great fun and I wish it success.  I 
will check out the Nintendo Brain Game.  I do have an interesting tidbit however.   
A local teacher spent some time in Japan teaching and one of the things that most 
amazed him was that there were NO COMPUTERS in the high schools there - at least 
the ones he was in.
   
  I'm still not convinced that we need to bring everything technology has to offer 
into our schools.  Once a fifth grader learns how to make a Powerpoint, where else 
is there to go?   And I am troubled over things like IM and My Space; time spent on 
the computer is time NOT spent in critical face-to-face social interaction  - which 
today's kids need more than ever!  
   
  Dorothy Scanlan
  Librarian
  St. Paul's School
  dscanlan@stpaulsschool.org
   
   
   

                
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