Learning (What?) Through Video Games

I have come to know that a lot can be learned through video games, both skills and content, and they can be a platform for discussion.

Ah, but as with every medium, just what can they teach? Just about anything. Global warming is a topic of interest around these parts, mostly from the point of view of discerning what is 'junk science' and PC fodder and what is not. How do we tell? Who is saying what, and can we discern their real reasons for saying it?

This article is (another) eye opener to me. It is just another extension of the media and how it is being weilded to try and teach (brainwash) the masses. Who would think while watching a funny TV show, reading a benign article in the paper or playing a video game that someone would be trying to 'shape' our thought?

I don't mind if some people think global warming is a threat, but please, don't try and sneak in your ideology disquised as fun for kids, and don't use it as a political springboard! Please Microsoft, make games and computer, don't try and make social change. But, Mr. Gates has all the billions to spend and he wants to make a 'difference'.

I think we are in a Brave New World. I try and talk about this with the boys, to keep them aware of the agendas out there. I hope we can raise an aware generation, but it is amazing the influence the media plays.