3 ms·

WoW is an interesting example. I’m sure there are lessons to be learned in any activity; it’s not like structured playtime is giving you zero information to upd

WoW is an interesting example. I’m sure there are lessons to be learned in any activity; it’s not like structured playtime is giving you zero information to update your world model. I suppose the question is whether the “learning density” is high or low, and diverse, in video games. I spent a lot of time on single player games as a kid and am open to the idea that MMOs give you more learning (particularly social, of course), but I do wonder how they compare with, say, team sports or running around the woods with your friends.

Waterluvian 3y ago
That's usually on my mind, especially since my parents did a lot of "you're on X all the time" where X was at least a dozen different things throughout my teenage years. The way I'm approaching it is simply: all things in moderation. Did you go outside today? Do a bit of tidying? Spend some time at the craft table? Go nuts with Super Mario after dinner. Did you wake up and play Mario for a few hours and get cranky when your brother asked you to play outside? Might be time to press the parental finger on the scale.
- theptip 3y ago
  I like the portfolio theory of play. The one thing I don't have a good feel for is, when is it time to let your kids exploit rather than explore? By which I mean, really start to dig into something they click with and obtain mastery? Seems really hard to tell, and perhaps we should just be skeptical of "easy" / "dopamine hooks" things like games, and perhaps unskeptical of hard things like science, art, etc. -- if a child wants to spend lots of time on a hard thing that's probably a good sign, if they want to spend lots of time on an easy thing that may or may not be good.
JKCalhoun 3y ago
I'm even more bullish as to whether WoW counts as much more than team play with training wheels on. When you screw up team play on the playground you can make enemies, rivals that will follow you through school for years to come, a reputation (for better or worse). You may have to look another kid in the eye and tell them, "No". I don't doubt you can acquire some skills from online play, but if you think you're leveling up in self-esteem, social skills, I imagine that will get really put to the test when you find yourself alone at a party, or in an interview for a job. Like flight simulators, they can be educational but I suspect it's a whole 'nother level of learning and experience when you could die if you screw up.

Waterluvian 3y ago

That's usually on my mind, especially since my parents did a lot of "you're on X all the time" where X was at least a dozen different things throughout my teenage years. The way I'm approaching it is simply: all things in moderation. Did you go outside today? Do a bit of tidying? Spend some time at the craft table? Go nuts with Super Mario after dinner. Did you wake up and play Mario for a few hours and get cranky when your brother asked you to play outside? Might be time to press the parental finger on the scale.

theptip 3y ago
I like the portfolio theory of play. The one thing I don't have a good feel for is, when is it time to let your kids exploit rather than explore? By which I mean, really start to dig into something they click with and obtain mastery? Seems really hard to tell, and perhaps we should just be skeptical of "easy" / "dopamine hooks" things like games, and perhaps unskeptical of hard things like science, art, etc. -- if a child wants to spend lots of time on a hard thing that's probably a good sign, if they want to spend lots of time on an easy thing that may or may not be good.

JKCalhoun 3y ago

I'm even more bullish as to whether WoW counts as much more than team play with training wheels on. When you screw up team play on the playground you can make enemies, rivals that will follow you through school for years to come, a reputation (for better or worse). You may have to look another kid in the eye and tell them, "No". I don't doubt you can acquire some skills from online play, but if you think you're leveling up in self-esteem, social skills, I imagine that will get really put to the test when you find yourself alone at a party, or in an interview for a job. Like flight simulators, they can be educational but I suspect it's a whole 'nother level of learning and experience when you could die if you screw up.