Introduction
With the increasing numbers of gamers throughout the world, there is an age demographic that is at the highest risk of suffering negative consequences: teenagers! So it is important that you learn more about it.
Truthfully speaking, there are both positive and negative effects of gaming in general.
The question remains: is there a winning side?
Join this WebQuest to find out!
Task
Today's class discussion will be centered on this issue.
The two panels will talk about the beneficial vs. detrimental effects of video games on society.
YOU have been selected as a field expert to serve on one of the panels, getting sorted randomly into Group A (positive effects) or Group B (negative effects).
The arguments for and against video games will be presented by two groups through a debate.
Process
Task 1: Research for the debate
1) Visit the provided links to gather specific info to sustain the position of your group.
Some links are only helpful for one of the groups' position, but some of them have both insights - focus on the info relevant to defend your position.
Avoid visiting the same links as the classmates of your group as much as possible, so try to strategize with the whole group about who will read what.
I advise that the longer articles be read by two classmates, dividing the text into two.
2) Summarize your research and main arguments, and note them down in your notebook.
- The Washington Post: A new study shows benefits of violent video games for kids' learning
- PsychCentral.com: Violent Videogames Desentisize to Real Violence
- PsychCentral.com: Can Videogames Cause Depression?
- PsychCentral.com: Frustration with Video Games Leads to Aggressive Behavior
- PsychCentral.com: Video Games Can Help Boost Social, Memory & Cognitive Skills
- PsychCentral.com: Playing Video Games Can Boost Fast Thinking
- The New York Times: Shooting in the Dark
- Raisesmartkid.com: The positive and negative effects of video games
- Science Daily: Violent video games are a risk factor for criminal behavior and aggression
- USA Today: Video game invades classroom, scores education points
- ProCon.org: Do Violent Video Games Contribute to Youth Violence?
- NPR: Video Games May Affect The Brain Differently, Depending On What You Play
- NPR: Why You Should Play Video Games
- Education.com: Negative Potential of Video Games
- Livestrong: The Negative Effects of Video Game Addiction
- Healthygamer.gg: 10 Negative Effects of Video Games
- Vittana.org: Video Games Pros and Cons
- NeuroSolution.ca: Disadvantages of Playing Video Games
- GameQuitters.com: What Are the Pros and Cons of Video Games?
- Netivist.org: Pros and cons of video games: Should kids play them?
- Readersdigest.com.au: The pros and cons of playing computer video games
- NerdyNaut.com: 5 Reasons Why Gaming Is Actually an Excellent Hobby
- ScienceNordic.com: Computer games can improve teaching in schools
- ScienceNordic.com: Violent computer games cleared by researchers
- npr.org: Video Games Don't Have To Be Educational To Spark Learning
- Soperwritings.com: Video Games Are Not the Enemy
- Quora.com: Why does my school think that video games cause violence?
- 1.vilanova.edu: New Research Shows More People Blame Video Games on School Shootings by White Perpetrators
Task 2: Prepare for the debate
1) Organize and compare your notes with your group.
Decide which argument/s you would like to defend.
Help (and get help from) your classmates to enrich their argument by saying something you found in yours that might be relevant to them.
2) Rewrite them in your own words. (+ Google any words that no one in your group knows the meaning of.)
3) Read them and immerse yourself in your role, preparing for the following debate.
Whether you agree with your group's position or not is irrelevant. Be determined to defend your arguments!
Evaluation
Task 1: Answer questions to assess your knowledge and understanding from this debate.
- What are the main benefits of videogames?
- What are the main downsides of videogames?
- How can videogames improve problem-solving?
- What makes video games so addictive?
- What's the difference between healthy gaming and non-healthy gaming?
Conclusion
Being aware of both positive and negative sides provides the knowledge that allows you to voice YOUR OPINION.
Are video games a good or a bad hobby? Justify it with your own opinion in 2-3 sentences.
Finally, is there a common ground/unanimous statement between the whole class?
Credits
This WebQuest was entirely created by Bruna Liliana Fernando dos Santos (teacher trainee at FLUC) for the final project of EAAEI (Estudos Anglo-Americanos e Ensino de Inglês).
If necessary, contact me at:
brunalilianafernandodossantos@gmail.com