Can gaming be an unhealthy habit? Of course. But that doesn't mean that all gaming is created equal! Here are some tips on how to turn your child’s interest into more productive and healthy habits.
Not all games are created equal or are age appropriate. Ask questions, talk to other parents, and do your research. Some games are overly violent, while others are amazing social and educational tools – be sure your children are playing games that you’re comfortable with.
Children that love games often love to learn more about them. How games are designed, the code that runs the games, even how gaming systems and computers work structurally and how to improve system speed and performance.
Leverage these interests! Technology only seems like magic until you understand how it works. Show your kids that they too can master these skills and learn to build their own games, better appreciate the games they play, and can become active participants in these virtual worlds rather than just passive consumers.
No games late at night. Make sure all homework and studies are completed before the gaming starts. These will vary based on the age of your child and the rules in your home, but boundaries can be important.
Gaming is largely a social act. The majority of games kids play today are in online communities. Make sure your kids are aware, especially in environments where they have the potential to communicate with other players that they never share personal information: names, where they go to school, etc.
Gaming can improve hand-eye coordination, act as a social activity, improve problem solving skills, but most importantly can open interests to future career paths and productive skills! If you’re reading this far, I’m sure your child loves video games, so be sure to make the most of your child’s interests rather than dismissing gaming as “a waste of time”.
Minds of Tomorrow. The Creative Tech Club. Our activities are a blend of coding, design, robotics and entrepreneurship designed to nurture the kids’ Creative Mindset in Miami.
Empower your kids to become filmmakers. Support the development of their visual communication and storytelling skills.
Movie Hackers mixes coding with 3D printing techniques and robotics with media while pushing your kids to be the directors and actors of their stories. This is a team project where kids will premiere their movies to their families at the MOT Demo Day Film Festival.
Examples of activities in this adventure ...
Movie Hackers
Kids will learn the basics of a pro film tool, Final Cut Pro to achieve amazing digital effects and film techniques.
Filming Drones
Coding on Scratch, kids will direct DJI Tello drones and learn how to compose and film aerial sequences.
Technologies learned:
Becoming a multiplanetary species
Kids will explore the Red Planet to set up the first Martian human population. To prepare the planet for harmonious cohabitation kids will build sustainable gardens, figure out efficient uses of energy, build autonomous robots machinery and leverage technology and creativity to improve people's lives both on Mars and on Earth.
Examples of activities in this adventure ...
Powering the Red Planet
Levels of energy usage are higher than expected. Kids will explore ways to optimize the amount of energy to survive in the red planet.
Self-Sustaining Veggies
Build an array of sensors, warnings and mechanisms to create a garden that does not require human intervention and can grow on its own.
Technologies learned:
