Spring Break
Local psychologist researches positive effects of video games with URI students
Lindsay Lorenz
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Campus
Handheld Nintendo DS games, like Nintendogs, teach task persistence and time management skills. If players neglect to feed their pets, the dogs die. Kulman said this is where children can benefit from the games.
"We're taking video game playing and applying it to real world skills," he said. "We are showing parents and teachers how to use video games to teach thinking skills, and that games are vehicles to teach."
In past summers, most interns have been psychology or education majors, as both are related to his research. However, students in other disciplines have participated.
Kulman said he is looking for students who enjoy games, are decent writers and understand that it is possible to learn things from video games.
Jamie Hanson, 27, graduated from URI last December with a psychology degree. She and Ivan Mendoza, a senior psychology major, both played video games as children. Hanson said she likes that her job allows her to work around one of her hobbies.
"It's pretty fun," Hanson said. "It's work and play, I don't think there are a lot of jobs where you can do both at the same time."
Mendoza said he appreciates that the internship allows him to work at his own pace. In fact, interns only have to come into the office for about three hours a week.
"Much of it's done at home with your buddies," Kulman added.
Those interested in working for Kulman are asked to contact him at 401-789-1553.
"We're taking video game playing and applying it to real world skills," he said. "We are showing parents and teachers how to use video games to teach thinking skills, and that games are vehicles to teach."
In past summers, most interns have been psychology or education majors, as both are related to his research. However, students in other disciplines have participated.
Kulman said he is looking for students who enjoy games, are decent writers and understand that it is possible to learn things from video games.
Jamie Hanson, 27, graduated from URI last December with a psychology degree. She and Ivan Mendoza, a senior psychology major, both played video games as children. Hanson said she likes that her job allows her to work around one of her hobbies.
"It's pretty fun," Hanson said. "It's work and play, I don't think there are a lot of jobs where you can do both at the same time."
Mendoza said he appreciates that the internship allows him to work at his own pace. In fact, interns only have to come into the office for about three hours a week.
"Much of it's done at home with your buddies," Kulman added.
Those interested in working for Kulman are asked to contact him at 401-789-1553.
