So, now the experts are telling us that our children can learn valuable lessons that will serve them in the workplace by playing hours of Doom at home.  Imagine my surprise seeing this article in an airline magazine.  The concept seemed so odd that I just had to share it.  There is some merit to the idea, at least theoretically.  “Gamers” as they are called learn how to bring new people into a game, train them and assign people different roles, which is exactly what management roles require.  The games also teach the players how to compete using trial and error, so Gamers tend to be less reliant on protocol, and more focused on finding what works.  Apparently, these Gamers are not just one trick ponies either:  they have lots of other outside activities such as sports.  Here’s my question:  Are these the same kids who can’t make it through a family dinner without pulling out the Gameboy, or is that a different crowd? 

Personally, I’m skeptical of the assertions in this article, but willing to entertain the idea if I can see it in action.  Where I have trouble accepting this is in regards to human contact.  Every job I have had has required daily contact with other people, and yes, computers as a tool to obtain or analyze information.  What happens when a Gamer is in a world that is not defined by computer code?  I think for my own kids I’ll stick with the conventional wisdom and limit their “game” time in exchange for some good old fashioned books, and possibly even a family conversation now and then.