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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47 Posted by supermariomofo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:48PM EDT Report Abuse
Enough rounds of Wii Boxing in Wii Sports can actually work up a sweat. I think it could be used as an occasional "treat" that would also be somewhat beneficial towards the students.
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48 Posted by rita22759 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse
I for one think it should be allowed, some kids do not participate in school sports because of some parents afraid of them getting hurt, like in football, soccer, baseball and such, but with the Wii they would be getting the exercise to a point instead of doing nothing but sitting around, I am not one of those parents but I know quite a few who do not want there kids playing in school sports, but this they should have no problem with, and at least they would be doing something besides just sitting there on the sidelines watching.I think it is an exceptional idea, my son plays it at his brother in laws and the eye dr says it is helping to strengthen his one eye which was week ,because it causes him to focus more and it is something he enjoys, and the hand and eye coordination is also a good thing for eveyone, it gets them off there backsides and moving around and that is always a good thing, where I live outside of school sports there is nothing in our area for kids, its like a retirement village, so for the kids here it would give them something to do, even if it is only offered as say an after school activity. Bring the Wii to school and get the kids motivated with a little fun and excersise, and they would probably do better in there regular classes, even if they had to keep there other grades up to participate in the Wii, it gives them something to look forward to and maybe want to do the work in other classes that some kids could really care less about. Come on Wii.
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49 Posted by cuhris84 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:32PM EDT Report Abuse
Back in my days, kids were looking forward to PHYSICAL EDUCATION. Running out there, playing and competing. Sometimes kids would rather have PE for the whole day, rather hear a long lecture in class. And there are those PE coaches who are motivational, that can help kids with their studies and as well as their self-esteem. Kids nowadays are spolied rebelious little brats. Kids back then couldn't wait to get out of class and meet up with their friends to play baseball, basketball, etc. Now, there are some kids can't wait to get home, to pass the level they could'nt beat. So, why change the good ol' Physical Education.
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50 Posted by wolfmano on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:49PM EDT Report Abuse
Playing wii bowling and boxing is really tiring, you can't tell me some calories don't burn off!
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51 Posted by chrononomad on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:25PM EDT Report Abuse
Xeleion said, "...just make the kid get up and play dodgeball or something." Dodgeball? That game is just an evil way for the bigger, stronger kids to beat the snot out of the weaker ones. I agree that having a Wii in school gym class may be going too far, but then so it Dance Dance Revolution. As for dodgeball, I think it should be abolished. The game is ridiculous and barbaric. In all honesty, I think it's okay to have kids play the Wii a *little bit* in school...but not as gym class! It could be like having computers with other computer games. Just another activity option. I remember playing computer games like "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego", etc. when I was in school. I think that if kids will learn by using it, it's a good idea.
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52 Posted by austinbrookings94 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:59PM EDT Report Abuse
I think schools should have wiis in them because at my school their always sayin that school is supposed to be fun if they put wiis in schools itwould make school a whole lot funner and like the page said it is active also you can test your IQ on a wii. next it would be a fun experince any ways.wiis are alot of fun to play and i think they should be in schools P.S alex rowton
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53 Posted by jojothedancer24 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:40PM EDT Report Abuse
Let me get this straight. Wanting to put the most hard to find console in schools..Interesting. And where is ALL these miracle consoles shall *poof* in bigger productions now that schools want them for gym class? So instead of children actually going outside and playing and moving, they will spend time in gym playing Wii..Hmmmmmm. Let's see how this will play out..
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54 Posted by dgreen66041 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:42PM EDT Report Abuse
I think the Wii would be a great alternative for those that are overweight and do not participate in actual school sports. I am a Special Ed. Paraeducator and I see lots of overweight kids that do not think they are good enough to go out for sports, or just don't have the desire to go out for sports. You have those that are in every sport imaginable, and then you have those that just sit around all day long and do nothing as far as exercise goes. Obesity is already a widely known problem in kids and if the Wii was part of an exercise program, it might "help" with that issue even if it's only during school hours.
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55 Posted by redash52 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:33PM EDT Report Abuse
it really depends on the class and game. Wii fit may work for P.E. Trauma center would be preety good if u put it in a biology class
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46 Posted by mangsta2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:05PM EDT Report Abuse
I don't think that tax dollars should be spent on buying Wiis for school. I personally have a Wii, and it requires almost no physical exertion, unless played for long periods of time. (over 40 minutes) That is too long for a school to do. Not to mention the fact that there'd have to be TVs as well. A class of 40 for P.E. would require (if all were to play simultaneously) 10 Wiis ($2500)10 TVs, varying cost. I have not personally played Wii Fit, but how hard could it be?