Turns out video games are good--wait, didn't we know that already?

A very good question in light of this latest survey.

While the benefits of playing video games should be nothing new to astute gamers, surveys and studies are still being conducted seemingly all the time on this subject.

The latest report on the benefits of gaming comes from Sony Online Entertainment (which, I mean come on, how is this impartial?). The results, published in the latest issue of Family Circle magazine, suggests parents are seeing improvements in hand/eye coordination, problem solving, and typing skills since their children have started playing video games.

In addition, games are apparently creating little Enders, by teaching children to think strategically. The report states that the majority of video games require players to follow rules, think tactically, make fast decisions and fulfill numerous objectives to win. This resonates with the 70 percent of the parents surveyed who have seen their children's problem-solving skills improve since they started playing video games.

Other key survey findings from the survey:

• Most (75 percent) of respondents have attributed educational value and improved hand/eye coordination to video game usage.
• 84 percent of respondents reported an increase in their child's typing skills from playing PC/online games.
• 72 percent of respondents say their kids play games online with other people sometimes or all the time.
• 87 percent of parents who participated in the survey are spending time playing video games with their children.
• More than 80 percent of respondents say their children play video games in a common area of the house (i.e. family/living room or computer room).

Yahoo's Web site, Shine, which purportedly reaches 10 million women each month, hosted the survey throughout June 2008.

Like I said, this is nothing new. Many studies have been promoting the benefits of gaming for years. I'm just waiting for the day it's no longer an issue. Speaking of education value, I was practically raised by video games, and look at me. I wrote good, don't me?

[clh22793]

Agreed. My hand/eye coordination is impeccable! All those years playing Pole Position has paid off...I'm unbelievable on LA's 405 freeway!

[keen2learn]

Educational games are more enjoyable than some dull theory; no great surprise that given the choice any child would choose the game. The greatest element of learning retention is associated with repetition and practice. You put the two together in a video game and bingo- kids learn whist they enjoy themselves. Learning in disguise. Maybe the biggest break through in education for years we need to harness the skills of the gamer and the best teachers.

Alistair Owens http://www.keen2learn.co.uk