Video games that get kids' attention, enhance learning

Iria · Sep 26, 2005, 04:03 PM

Like many parents, Janet Herlihey tried her best to keep her kids away from video games.

She was particularly concerned about the potential harm to her two boys who have had problems focusing and controlling their emotions.

"Why would this be good for kids who had a hard time concentrating?" said Herlihey, who lives in West Chester, Pa. "It doesn't make sense." She told her boys, Michael, 12, and Paul, 10: "Don't ever ask me, because you'll never get them."

But late last year, the boys did get to play video games -- and with the blessing of their parents.

The Herliheys had decided to let their sons -- who show symptoms of attention-deficit disorder but have never been diagnosed -- try out a new treatment that uses video games to help children with attention problems. Smart BrainGames, developed by CyberLearning Technology in San Diego, use a combination of adaptive automation and video games to help children deal with attention problems. The kids who undergo the treatment put on helmets linked to sensors that monitor their brain activity while playing video games. The more focused they are, the better their chances of winning in the game.
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Read More / Source: SFGate

Sep 26, 2005, 04:03 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Video games that get kids' attention, enhance learning Like many parents, Janet Herlihey tried her best to keep her kids away from video games. She was particularly concerned about the potential harm to her two boys who have had problems focusing and controlling their emotions. "Why would this be good for kids who had a hard time concentrating?" said Herlihey, who lives in West Chester, Pa. "It doesn't make sense." She told her boys, Michael, 12, and Paul, 10: "Don't ever ask me, because you'll never get them." But late last year, the boys did get to play video games -- and with the blessing of their parents. The Herliheys had decided to let their sons -- who show symptoms of attention-deficit disorder but have never been diagnosed -- try out a new treatment that uses video games to help children with attention problems. Smart BrainGames, developed by CyberLearning Technology in San Diego, use a combination of adaptive automation and video games to help children deal with attention problems. The kids who undergo the treatment put on helmets linked to sensors that monitor their brain activity while playing video games. The more focused they are, the better their chances of winning in the game. ___________ Read More / Source: SFGate