Writing Project Two

                                                            Childs Games
            In the article by Henry Giroux called “Children’s Culture and Disney’s Animated Films,” Giroux has came up with the concept of a “teaching machine.” This leaves the unanswered question: what is a “teaching machine”? In the article Giroux is referring to animated films as the basis for the concept of “teaching machines.” There are many examples of “teaching machines.”
            The first example of a “teaching machine” is video games. Video games have been around for a few decades. As video games became older they also started becoming more technologically advanced. Along with the advance in technology in video games comes with the hundreds upon hundreds of games that are designed and created for different purposes. Video games are given a rating based on how graphic the material is in the game. The three main ratings are: E for everyone, T for teen, and M for mature. Each game rating is meant for different audiences and the content is based on that factor.
            Video games are used as “teaching machines.” The most typical rating that video games used for teaching is E for everyone, designed for children to play. A good example of how video games can teach children are when a game is made that a learning game. One example of a learning game is a Brain Age for the DS, a portable video game system. This game is a challenge for the brain in many ways. Brain Age is a game where the player is tested by taking various games and math quizzes to find out the players “Brain Age.” The use of this game helps to stimulate the brain and keep the brain functioning well. Brain Age is a video game that will have a positive effect on the player. It helps to stimulate the brain and keep it active in order to become smarter.
            To describe video games as “teaching machines” would be an accurate statement. Though they may or may not have a teaching aspect to a particular game created, they can be called machines by the effect that they have. The reason why this is is because the video games are used as learning tools to achieve a learning goal. With the hundreds of games that are out they after a while the effect of the learning style becomes similar and almost machine-like.
            When a child is given the opportunity to play video games they will take it. A new set of video games have been created. These include two types of games: physical activity games and learning games. A recent system called the Wii started a whole new revolution in the gaming industry. The Wii uses a controller that is designed for movement. With more development in games the Wii has come up with the concept of incorporating physical activity with video games. One example is the game Wii Fit. Wii Fit is a game that is basically a video game used to work out and stay fit. This concept is a great thing for kids and adults that want to stay fit. These video games can teach kids that even though video games are fun, physical activity can still be incorporated also. The other type of games is learning games. A whole wave of games has come out that are purely devoted to learning. As stated earlier Brain Age is considered a learning game. Learning games good for children to see that video games can teach necessary skills. A problem arises when children become dependent on video games to teach them something new. It is almost impossible to have a video game based something as difficult as calculus. Calculus is not something that can be taught through a video game, it has to be taught through a teacher and a lot of trial and error. Children must not become dependent of video games as a “teaching machine” for their lives.  
            Video games can be referred to as “teaching machines” in many ways. Video games can have a negative effect on a person by the way of violence. Violence is reoccurring more and more in video games and with the new increase in technology that is happening the violence that occurs is becoming more deadly. Video games may or not be considered “teaching machines,” but they are used as a tool to learn.