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
Comments on Should Nintendo Wiis be in Schools?
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Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
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2 Posted by shawn10_soccer_junk_mail on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:18PM EDT 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 Sep 3, 2009 8:24PM EDT 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 Sep 3, 2009 10:52PM EDT 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 Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:07PM EDT 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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6 Posted by capuletnew on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:18PM EDT Report Abuse
Have you ever done Wii boxing? It will wear you out quick.
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7 Posted by chansie06 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:21PM EDT Report Abuse
I think it is a great idea, but I feel that the games that are avaiable currently are not going to bennfit the students much. Maybe if there were more games geared toward the exercise of students. I am sure that, if proposed properly to nintendo, they would be more than happy to come up with a new game to get kids to become more active than they already are with the system. I really do believe it would improve attendance. I used to skip PE all the time because it was all work and no fun once I was out of elementary school. In fact I had to take an outside source of PE just to graduate on time. Which can be even more expensive for those who can't afford it. I believe that the pros outweigh the cons here but that ultimately the idea needs a little more work.
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8 Posted by aoshi4misao on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:56PM EDT Report Abuse
I think the Wii in schools would be a great idea. It would encourage activity among the children who are not comfortable playing sports, say perhaps, they have a physical disability that prevents them from playing on the level of normal students, but they could handle the easier movements of the Wii. Or, what about the rainy days, every school has days where it is just not feasible to let your children play outside. What then, do homework, or increase moral in the kids, and boost their enthusiasm for school and physical activity with the Wii. I think it would be a great idea for them, and I wish that it had been around when I was in school. I belong to a gym where they have them for the kids to play while their parents are working out. Kids benefit from it, plain and simple. Make them happy, make them excited about working out/ being active, and make them excited about school. How often do you hear a kid be excited about going to school to participate in gym? If they had a Wii they could play, they might. It increases natural friendly competitiveness and activity. I believe whole heartedly that the Wii would be a useful addition to any gym room.
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9 Posted by agstgeorge on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:47PM EDT Report Abuse
As an avid gamer I love the Idea of making such systems available at a school, but having dedicated a fair ammount of my career (school age coach and activities director) Researching the benifits and pitfalls of games, I have to say that games can play a role, but should be extracurricular. Don't trade physed for Wii, but I see nothing wron with having a Wii social club that meets after school daily. It is a great way to stimulate social interaction and give some kids who may not beable to afford such systems a chance to participate. If the program was academic based (certain GPA to remain involved, like most extracurricular activities are), I believe that the benefits of increased interest and attendance could be seen.
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10 Posted by skiskiacm on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
What's next Brain Age on the DS to replace lower level math?
1 Posted by theyowman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:06PM EDT 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.