Should Nintendo Wiis be in Schools?
Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:24PM EST
See Comments (55)
Dance Dance Revolution in gym class is one thing. But the Nintendo Wii doesn't cut it as a worthwhile PE option.
That's the thinking of an education advocacy group in the United Kingdom, where there are plans to add Wii games in some schools to "improve attitude, behaviour and attendance," according to gamesindustry.biz.
The Campaign for Real Education, which lobbies for higher educational standards and more parental choice in state education, says incorporating the Wii in schools is "pandering to the views of the physically idle," and that kids would be better off participating in competitive sports and games.
Ars Technica notes that a recent study by Nintendo's UK marketing group Cake finds a slight increase in energy spent playing Wii Sports, but not enough to "contribute towards the recommended daily amount of exercise."
I agree. I like the Wii because it gets kids moving more than other video games. But c'mon, you can't argue that there's any true and lasting cardio benefits to it. Now, if it were the Wii Fit, which is not yet widely available, there may be a compelling reason to add it to school phys ed routines.
What do you think? Do Wiis belong in schools?
LINKS: UK education group: keep the Wii out of PE class [Ars Technica]
Campaigner blasts Wii in schools "gimmick" [gamingindustry.biz]
Related: Nintendo Gets Physical with Wii Fit
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2 Posted by shawn10_soccer_junk_mail on Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:32PM EST Report Abuse
They should put brain games like big brain academy and wii fit but only twice a week.
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3 Posted by queenofblank on Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:04PM EST Report Abuse
So compromise the idea! Put the Wii in for gym class, but don't do it everyday. Just do the Wii stuff on Tuesdays and Thursdays or something.
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4 Posted by xeleion on Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:17PM EST Report Abuse
I agree that the Wii doesn't need to be in schools, but I also feel that it would take more than Wii Fit to change that. It may be a fun after school activity, but just make the kid get up and play dodgeball or something. That's why they're kids: they DON'T know what's best for them yet. This little stunt comes off as nothing more as an attempt to compromise, and in the end it's not going to benefit anyone. Side Note: How are they going to find Wiis to put in schools when there are practically none available? And who's going to pay for them? I don't think the majority of parents out there are interested or supportive of the Wii enough to be comfortable spending their tax dollars so kids can play them in schools. Why not give the Wiis away as a way of motivating the kids to be active? Make them earn something.
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5 Posted by markaztig_16 on Sat Feb 2, 2008 11:20PM EST Report Abuse
maybe some school need it for educational purposes here in the philippines there is no large grounds to perform physical educations like sport games nintendo can be a good other source,, wahaha that would be nice no need for a nagging coach!!~
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1 Posted by theyowman on Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:06PM EST Report Abuse
That's like asking if computers should be used in the classroom. If a wii can provide meaningful instruction in a classroom than why not use it as a tool? The wii is only as useful as the software that's loaded on it.