screen time

Everything I Need to Know About Economics I Learned Playing Age of Empires III

6.23.10
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Video games have come a long way since Space Invaders and Asteroids. And while vile, cop-killing, Grand Theft Auto-style games capture the headlines, hundreds of other games that don’t grab headlines would be labeled educational if they simply weren’t so much fun to play. Parents need to rethink their perception of video games and stop lumping everything on a computer or console as a wasteful diversion away from productive, educational activities. It may be time to recognize that some video games are both productive and educational and it’s their extra element of fun that makes the learning process so effortless.

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The Case For Technology

4.17.10
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Yes, TV, video games and the internet can be time-sucking, mind-numbing and addictive if you choose to use them that way. But they can also be engaging, social, motivating, and educational. I believe we need to stop blaming technology for family disconnect and learn how to use it effectively to connect the family.

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Don't Beat Down The Fresh Beat Band

8.1.09

A couple months ago I started seeing commercials on Noggin for a kids’ band called “The JumpArounds.” The music was catchy, and the message seemed innocuous: music is awesome, so get up on your feet and be happy.

The commercials disappeared for awhile, but now The JumpArounds are back under a new name, The Fresh Beat Band, with a new show premiering in August. I was curious why they changed the show’s name, so I Googled it. What I found has me perplexed and a little incredulous.

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Stifling Creativity: Screen Time, Supervision or School?

11.17.07

Is our kids’ creativity being crushed? By the school system? Or screen time? How about the so-called helicopter parenting?

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