Dr. Randy Kulman Lectures on Technology and Video Games to Promote Executive Functioning

On the evening of Thursday, April 12, 2017, the Sharon Education Foundation and Sharon Public Schools sponsored a presentation by Randy Kulman, Ph.D., noted child psychologist and author, for our community at Sharon Middle School. Dr. Kulman presented his work on the use of technology in video games and apps to promote executive functioning skills and academic performance. For example, games such as Angry Birds and Minecraft can be used to enhance time management skills when children are engaged in conversations about particular aspects of the games. Games by themselves are just "play", but like all things must be done in moderation. A comparison was made with TV consumption, where content differs and some consumption can be beneficial while other content can be much less so. Beneficial games allow for development of different parts of the brain associated with memory, planning, focus, and strategy. For some children with developmental needs this can prove especially beneficial as the is immediate feedback and no peer judgment. Special emphasis was made that violent games are not recommended for young children.

Dr. Kulman’s presentation was recorded by Sharon TV and will be broadcast on the network and the video can be accessed through the SEF website at www.sharoneducationfoundation.org.