Value of Daydreams & Videogames

Nicole Myerscough

Kelley, T., & Kelley, D.  (2013, October 12).  How Daydreams and Videogames Can Make Us Confident In Real Life (Yes).  Wired, 21(10). Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/10/how-to-build-creative-confidence-daydream-play-video-games-and-more/

This article has an interesting perspective regarding the value of videogames and daydreaming for younger children. The latter of the two, daydreaming, I've always considered important in regards to developmental growth (ex: imaginary friends), but using it as a way to work through problems makes a lot of sense. As adults we often say we need time to think or ponder an issue we're presented with, but never have I thought of it as a type of daydreaming. The though process of an adult and a child may be more similar than we realize, and another example as to why it is necessary to provide students with freedom to choose how best they learn. We can't assume that age can easily define the necessary thought processes required to learn and grow and why their voices are necessary in educational design.

This is an interesting article that offers out-of-the-box thinking that parents/educators may want to consider since confidence building and problem solving are important characteristics necessary to keep students engaged and eager to learn.