Literature Review

Video games, do they really cause violence outside of the gaming world? (Hinsliff 2006) states that ‘playing computer games may actually be good for children, according to a government study that found no proof that even violent games triggered aggressive behaviour.’ The study believes that these games can help to improve childrens decision-making, and that make believe violence can help children to ‘conquer fears and develop a sense of identity.’ That is one study that I of the belief that violence is not caused but can help, however (Kalning 2006) asks the question ‘does game violence cause teens aggressive?’

A new study was investigated to solve this by using a brain scan of a young teenagers playing violent and non-violent games to find out results. The two games were ‘Need for Speed: Underground and Medal of Honor: Frontlines.’ 44 teenagers were split into two groups half playing one game the other half the other. After 30 minutes of gameplay a MRI scan was performed on each player. The results from researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine said that the teenagers playing the violent game had a negative effect and showed an increase in emotional arousal with a decrease in self-control and attention. (Kalning 2006.)

Fig.1: ‘Teens that played the violent game (right) showed increased
activity in the Amygdala, which is involved in emotional arousal.’
(Kalning 2006.)

VARK Questionnaire

The VARK questionnaire is designed to find out how you learn best. It has 13 questions that are answered by circling your preference on a specific situation. You can circle more than one option if an answer doesn't meet your perception, but asked to answer between 10 to 13 questions to give a good reading. Each answer represents a specific type of learning and that is shown on the scoring chart. Simply circle the answers on the scoring chart and add up what your preferences.

When completing the questionnaire I scored the most points in the Kinesthetic style of learning. I scored 5 out of 14 choices as on one question I selected more than one option. This doesn't really surprise me as I like to learn through experiment and to try out things and correct accordingly. This is in certain areas though, as I am also a visual type of learner as I find it easier to see how something is done and then go experiment.

I scored the least on Aural where I scored 2. This is mainly because I can't listen to information and take it in and write at the same time. I seem to listen to the next bit and forget what was previously said, and therefore is my least favourite style of learning.

The techniques I will need to acquire in tackling this problem is to look at deep learning. I will have to apply myself to investigate what I am learning by doing extra research and printing off lecture notes ready, meaning I can write less as the information is already supplied. I shall also need to look at converging which is thinking and doing, as stated in Kolb's 1984 learning styles.

SWOT Analysis

Strength
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats

Strengths
- Time keeping and attendance
- Essay Writing
- Neat handwriting
- Determination to achieve the best I can
- ICT based activities
-Maths

Weaknesses
- Laziness
- Distracted easily
- Leaving things to the last minute
- Communication in a group
- Self-confidence

Opportunity
- To study at University
- Develop on my knowledge
- Gain a Degree
- Career
- Funding for my course and equipment

Threats
- Failing degree
- Traffic when commuting
- Distractions
- Laziness

Learning line

Below is an image of my learning line starting when I first attended school to the current time in my life of University.

I have learnt many skills over time some basic and others complex. As like most skills it takes time to develop, but with the help and guidance received from my learning line, these skills have developed quicker. I have been taught a range of skills and these are some of them: Reading, writing, team work, respect, patience, hand-eye co-ordination, self defence, levels of communication, computer based skills, listening, confidence and responsibility. Without these skills it would be hard to get on with people or to achieve in anything I do, the more skills we learn the easier activities can become and gives us expertise.