Media technology tends to make its greatest advances in meeting the changing needs of consumers, as illustrated by the exponential increase in computer processing power each year. year. Many have argued that one of the driving forces behind this phenomenon is video games; a medium that requires more processing in terms of graphics and computing power than many other applications. Despite their impact on computer technology and their ubiquity in our culture, video games share many of the same stigmas as television. Critics of video games often describe playing them as a waste of time. Video games, which are often violent, are thought to lead to violent behavior in those who play them. It is also thought that playing video games (as well as watching TV) can shorten attention span. # However, the average time it takes to complete a game is around ten to twelve hours. This number can reach over thirty hours for sandbox or open world games. Given these two facts, we have the phenomenon of children engaging in a difficult and time-consuming activity. The connection between video games and violent behavior stems from the idea that video games are somehow a more powerful form of media. James Paul Gee says: “It's akin, I suppose, to the statement that because I planted a lot of corn at Harvest Moon, I'm going to run out and plant corn in my garden – in reality, we also have little real corn from Harvest Moon that we. have actual Grand Theft Auto murders (which is not to rule out the rare case of either – given enough time, even low probability events occur – although, of course, by definition, rarely). # (Gee, James Paul, 2007 p. 12) This is another example of medium...... middle of paper...... seminars and material resources to help guide their teachers, and subsequently their students, towards developing these skills which will be so essential in the society of today and tomorrow. Works Cited1 Kellner, Douglas and Share Jeff (2007). Critical media education: crucial political choices for a 21st century democracy. PolicyFutures in Education, 5(1), 59-69.2 Kellner, Douglas and Share Jeff (2007). Critical media education: crucial political choices for a 21st century democracy. PolicyFutures in Education, 5(1), 633 Kellner, Douglas and Share Jeff (2007). Critical media education: crucial political choices for a 21st century democracy. PolicyFutures in Education, 5(1), 674 Kellner, Douglas and Share Jeff (2007). Critical media education: crucial political choices for a 21st century democracy. PoliticsThe future of education, 5(1), 65