Don't Bother Me Mom - I'm Learning‪!‬

"Unabashedly pro-gaming, Prensky here offers a significant, and timely book which informs an important debate concerning children's use of computer-based gaming and its far-reaching implications for education. Furthermore, in this same volume (reworking some of his earlier essays appearing elsewhere), Prensky contributes nourishing food for thought with regards issues of parenting, with much practical advise (supported by relevant research data and appropriate citations), for discerning parents wishing to learn and better understand their child(ren)'s fascination with video- and computer-based gaming systems." —Anthony R. Dickinson, Ph.D., in Metapsychology Dec 16th 2008 (Volume 12, Issue 51)


"One value of the book is its clear outline of the types of games now emerging, the nature of their contents and playing characteristics, and the types of skills they both engage and cultivate among players...." 

—American Journal of Play, Fall 2008, University of Illinois


The POSITIVE Guide for Parents Concerned About Their Kids' Video and Computer Game Playing


“This book does a pretty good job of smashing the old argument that video games are harmful to children. Instead, it fills the void with statements showing how gaming can teach advanced problem solving, language and cognitive skills, strategic thinking, multitasking, and parallel processing. All of which are skills vital to survival in the increasingly technocratic 21st century. Backed up with solid research, demonstrating the accelerated formulation of these skills, the book looks at topics such as Military use of games to teach strategy, laparoscopic surgeons who play games as a "warm-up" before surgery, and business leaders who played games growing up, to hone their skills. The book is packed with positivity about gaming, and consistently moves to address parental concerns such as addiction, social isolation, or aggressive tendencies." Virtual Worldlets


"Positive news about video games? Isn't that like saying there's a good side to junk food? In a world where parents are expected to be vigilant 2 4/7, bombarded with so many reasons to fear for their children - too much television! too much violence! too many food additives! Internet predators! stranger danger! - Marc Prensky's ideas seem as welcome as a pat on the back.” —The Rocky Mountain News

"...re-framing the hype and learning to work with — not against — a cultural phenomenon that is not going away." Parentbooks


"Don't Bother Me Mom--I'm Learning!" is very strongly recommended to all parents." Internet Bookwatch


"Marc knows it all depends on how we use our games. He knows that if parents place good video games into a learning system in their homes they can reap major benefits for their children and themselves. They can accelerate their children’s language and cognitive growth."

—James Paul Gee, Tashia Mogridge Professor of Reading, University of Wisconsin-Madison