Video Games Can Be Beneficial?

Listed below are a few sources I use when determining how a video game could be helpful in helping a child develop, through various ways.  Also, a few other gaming sources where I get some of my information on the games I post about.

Annotated Bibliography:

1.       www.raisesmartkid.com, “Positive and Negative Effects of Video Games” http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games

This article provides both the potential upside and downside to video game usage in kids.  The list is very well done on both sides of the argument, providing a lot of good points.  It also includes recommendations for controlling video game use and how parents can choose the right games for their kids.

2.       Oak, Manali. “Positive Effects of Video Games” www.buzzle.com http://www.buzzle.com/articles/positive-effects-of-video-games.html

Another article highlighting the potential benefits of video game use by kids.  This one focuses more on debunking the myth that video games create anti-social tendencies in children.  Makes good points on the benefits of multiplayer games when it comes to social interactions at any age.

3.       Missimer, Rick “The Impact of Video Games on Children” www.healthguidance.org

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/11051/1/The-Impact-of-Video-Games-on-Children.html

This article was chosen because it was one of the first that I found that gave reason for video games promoting a childs imagination and creativity.  Most people believe that if hindered the development of these traits, but there are more than enough games that would do exactly the opposite.

4.       Cenzon, Matthew “10 Positive Effects of Video Games” www.symptomfind.com Jan 30, 2012.

http://www.symptomfind.com/health/positive-effects-of-video-games/

A list of ten reasons as to why video games can be good for kids, this list caught my eye because the first reason that it gave was that video games promote physical activity.  While this wasn’t true even just 5 years ago, games that incorporate the Wii balance board require players to stand up and really get into the game.  Same with home versions of Dance Dance Revolution.

5.       Weller, Jennifer “Positive Effects of Video Games on Children” www.mademan.com Mar 31, 2010. http://www.mademan.com/mm/positive-effects-video-games-children.html/

A short but sweet article, this one gives short blurbs highlighting different positive results that can come from young children playing video games, if properly supervised and regulated.

6.       www.addictionblog.org. “Top Ten Positive Effects of Video Games on Children” Feb. 26, 2009. http://addictionblog.org/top-10/top-10-positive-effects-of-video-games-on-children/

Short list, gives ten reasons as to why video games can have a positive effect on young players.  Provides more reinforcement for positive effects, when supervision and proper gaming choices are presented to kids.

7.       Barack, Lauren. "Gaming At Your Library." School Library Journal 51.7 (2005): 22. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson).

Another side of this blog is helping librarians to see that video games do have a place in their collections. On top of just having the collection, this article also discusses how video game programming can bring patrons in the doors.

8.       Kirriemuir, John, john@silversprite.com. "Games In Libraries - Because There's More To Libraries Than Books." CILIP Update 11.1 (2012): 21-24. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson).

More information making the argument that video games should become a normal part of any library’s collection.  While this steers away from reasons as to why they are good for kids, it gives reasons and ways for games to seamlessly become part of a collection.

9.       Gumulak, Sabina, and Sheila Webber. "Playing Video Games: Learning And Information Literacy." Aslib Proceedings 63.2/3 (2011): 241-255. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson).

This article discusses one of my top reasons as to how video games help kids, especially text heavy ones.  Incorporating long narratives in a game not only requires a kid to read, but offers it to them in short bursts so they end up looking forward to the next plot revelation.

1  Helmrich, Erin, and Eli Neiburger. "Video Games As A Service: Hosting Tournaments At Your Library." Voice Of Youth Advocates 27.6 (2005): 450-453. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson).

This brings another side to the video game collection than each of the other articles do, namely this focuses on programming instead of collection development.  This is mostly for older kids and teens, and an excellent way to get that tough to reach demographic into the library.

  Game Informer Magazine

This magazine is a highly regarded and popular gaming periodical, offering reviews, previews and news from around the industry. This is an important resource if I intend to remain aware of the newest games being released.  This magazine deals mostly with Playstation and Xbox games, so it is a better resource for catering to the older children and teens.

      Nintendo Power Magazine

Another gaming industry magazine, this one is much the same as Game informer but with one important difference.  As evidenced in the title, this magazine exclusively reviews and previews games for Nintendo systems.  As most of these games are for younger kids, this resource would help me stay on top of gaming news for the youngest gamers.