# 35 I'm Game, Moderately

Once upon a time, when library employees started the original iHCPL program, one of the first tasks assigned was to think about the ways we learn. By doing this, and by reading the blogs of other program participants, I became more conscious of the variety of ways people learn. It was through blogging that I realized how much of a kinesthetic learner I am. A tactile/kinesthetic learner learns best by doing and from hands on experiences, role plays, and other methods that physically involve them in the learning process.

Playing games is a kinesthetic learning experience, but of course games appeal to other kinds of learners as well. Not only do games have built-in motivators (fun!), but they seem to enhance learning and retention. Eli Neiburger spoke about the benefits of "gaming" at the Texas Library Association's 2008 annual conference. He pointed out that games are already a huge segment of the entertainment industry in the United States (second only to books in media sales), and that this popular media is helping, rather than hindering learning. In "Everything Bad is Good for You", writer Steven Johnson argues that because playing video games requires a variety of cognitive skills, the mental exercise is highly beneficial and actually improves IQ. There is undoubtably much evidence to support the value of video games as teaching and learning tools.

I tried the games FreeRice and WordSplay, and they were okay, but I prefer Pogo.com for recreational games. A Pogo subscription is not expensive. Members can choose from a tremendous variety of games with great graphics. Prizes and other goodies such as badges are offered as incentives. (Well, the prizes and incentives are kind of ... meh ....but the games are still great.) In your game room there is a chat feature, so if you have a question or comment about the game, you can post and get an immediate response from another player. You can invite your friends to come out and play with you, too. I have improved my Scrabble game tremendously by playing against some very competative opponents on Pogo. For what that's worth.

Computer games took a giant leap forward with Nintendo's Wii game console and its wireless controller that is able to detect movement in three dimensions. It's as if a room full of engineers, salesmen, and marketing people sat down and tried to come up with an idea to put that infuriating "video games are too sedentary" argument to rest. The new WiiFit goes on sale on May 19th for $90.00. According to studies though, the fact that Wii players use more energy than users of other game systems does not mean these games can substitute for regular exercise. (Enthusiastic Wii gamers can still develop tennis elbow, appropriately called "wiiitis", if they wish, by playing the video version of the sport.)

I like games. I also like Aristotle. Once upon a time, he advised moderation in all things.