Spotlight on Digital Media And Learning

9.22.08 | Congratulations on two thoughtful reports and on getting them out to the media.  These should dispel myths about the isolationist impact of gaming.  Kids are neither bowling nor gaming alone. And the fact that kids typically play different genres is important with respect to the potential diversity of skills and perspectives gaming enables. The civic possibilities are clearly there. These results suggest important directions for future research. 

First, a note of caution about selection effects and correlational data.  A socially adept/engaged kid is more likely to engage with others in community affairs and to play games in a social context.  In this regard, several recent studies of the genetic bases of political engagement (think temperament and disposition to join, to interact with others, etc.) are noteworthy. Second, the most exciting news out of this study is the equitable distribution of civic gaming experiences.  Their potential for overcoming class divides in civic participation is a topic worthy of more exploration.  Third, why on line social interaction did not yield the same civic correlates as playing in person is a question that needs more investigating if we’re going to understand the potential of digital media to expand borders and perspectives.  Fourth, with respect to whom one games with or communicates about gaming with, I think we need to think more about the complementary civic roles that age mates and adults can play. 

The egalitarian nature of peer relationships make them a better means for developing feelings of solidarity and notions of interest group, etc. and peers may know more about gaming than many adults.  However, adults can scaffold kids’ activity and inquiry in many arenas, games included. Typically, they have more experience with power, politics, and people and, as work on youth-adult partnerships as a new model of community youth development, shows, youth’s motivation and capacity for civic engagement is enhanced by partnerships with multiple adults.

Editor’s Note: See Connie Yowell‘s post on the new report here.