Advances in the technology of computer gaming has yielded gathering evidence that a massive, multi-player, online, role-playing game like World of Warcraft is an excellent tool for children as early as kindergarten to learn basic skills in math, grammar, spelling, social interaction, and hand-eye coordination.
And, the use of such computer gaming technology by middle-aged and older adults results in vigorous exercising of both hemispheres of the brain. Also, the continuous interaction and competition with other gaming competitors may also contribute to warding off or delaying the devastating effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s in the elderly. At the least the game keeps kids busy and out of trouble, and reduces the boredom and isolation sometimes found in the elderly.
This presentation will describe how World of Warcraft provides all these wonderful benefits, and also describe some of the possible negative effects pushed by nagging nannies who don’t want anybody to have any fun.
