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No one can keep up the explosion of apps for kids but the Tech with Kids site sure can help. Each app is identified by topic, app, video game or website, grade level and platform it is available for, and receives a one to four star rating. Sign up for the weekly newsletter, check out the new reviews, and look at features like Preschool Apps to Help Kids Build Routines. It is very useful!

Games and Real World Math Instruction

It's a common question from students in the digital era -- especially in math class -- "When are we ever going to use this?" writes Michael Edlavitch, a former middle-school math teacher and CEO and founder of Hooda Math. In a blog post, he writes about the benefits of using game-based learning. "By including educational games that are both intriguing and challenging, students are learning without knowing, practicing without feeling the repetition, and finding ways to connect and collaborate with others that have never existed before," Edlavitch writes.

Video Games and Sexism

Let’s face it.  Most video games have male dominated storylines and feature more male characters. But, online, the sexism that is prevalent takes a more menacing form – from harrassment to threats of rape. An interesting article on the subject came out recently, authored by Jonathan McIntosh, about the "invisible benefits" that males experience while playing video games. In the post, he lists 25 effects of "male gamer privilege." Here's a sample:

• I can choose to remain completely oblivious, or indifferent to the harassment that many women face in gaming spaces.
• I am never told that video games or the surrounding culture is not intended for me because I am male.
• I can publicly post my username, gamertag, or contact information online without having to fear being stalked or sexually harassed because of my gender.
• I will never be asked to "prove my gaming cred" simply because of my gender.
• I will almost always have the option to play a character of my gender, as most protagonists or heroes will be male by default.
• If I am trash-talked or verbally berated while playing online, it will not be because I am male nor will my gender be invoked as an insult.
• My gaming ability, attitude, feelings, or capability will never be called into question based on unrelated natural biological functions.

 McIntosh also says that one of the hurdles to addressing the issue is for male gamers to acknowledge that it happens in the first place, McIntosh says. "I don't see it, so I don't think it really exists," is a common perspective. This is an interesting topic to bring up with the gamers of both sexes at your house.

Facebook Popular Daily Destination

More than 128 million Americans and 24 million U.K. users access Facebook every day, the company said in its first local-data breakdown for marketers. The company also revealed that 101 million U.S. users visit the site each day on mobile devices. That means that one out of three people in the US visit the site every day. This gives you pause when you think about the potential people who could view your profile – especially if there is something you don’t want all of America to see. Oh yes, and another survey has put the number of people who play mobile games on their mobile phone at least once a month at 126 million. By 2016, it is estimated that more than 80% of smartphone users will game on their devices.

Ideas for Making Video Games Less Addictive

Could and should video game designers take responsibility for making their games less addictive? Perhaps. While there is no conclusive evidence that video gaming is addictive, at least for 7 to 11 percent of people, depending on the studies you look at, compulsive gaming is a problem. British researchers have suggested, in a recent paper, that some meaningful changes in game development, which could include making missions shorter or increasing the value and usefulness of randomly generated in-game items, might help. Of course, whether game publishers will act against their financial interests is another question.

Video Games and Violence – Fed Wants More Research

Although studies, with the exception of a few, have pointed out that a connection between fantasy video game violence and real-world violence doesn't, in fact, exist, the Centers for Disease Control is stepping up its efforts, at the tune of $10 million funded by Congress, to research a possible link between the two. The research is to focus on characteristics of firearm violence; risk factors; interventions and strategies; gun safety technology; and the influence of video games and other media. The results will be available in three to five years.

Where Video Games Are Part of the Prescription

Video games are becoming an important tool for doctors and nurses in the fight against pain at the Children’s National Medical Center. Part distraction and part therapy, specifically designed video games let doctors target progress in particular patients using gadgets like Microsoft’s Xbox and its Kinect controller.

Video Game Business Strives to Be Part of Discussion on Gun Violence

When the Entertainment Software Association issued a statement of condolences for the families of the Connecticut victims, it reiterated yet again that there is no link between violent video games and real-world crime. Yet, recently the ESA, game developers, academics, and retailers met with Vice President Biden to try to become part of the conversation on gun violence. While some in the industry have been critical of this move, most feel it is important to explore the issue further, to have the conversation about any kind of link between games and violence in the open and — they hope — to keep broadcasting their message that there is no link. It is certainly an issue for parents to keep tabs on, especially now with President Obama pushing Congress to fund research into the impact of violent games.

Girls and Games – A Different Kind of Attraction

With 47% of all gamers being girls these days, research is being conducted on what brings girls to the gaming world. Preliminary findings show that girls tend to prefer games that include problem-solving, collaboration, and real-life elements. Designers of educational technology have found that math and science-based games are most popular with girls when the concepts have some connection to real-world situations and can lead to a solution that supports a "social good." They also seem to have an affinity for “transmedia” content that draws on characters from books or movies. One of the biggest draws for girls to gaming is the passionate communities that spring up around the games.

Top Ten Kid’s Video Games

Take a look at what long time columnist Jinny Gudmundsen says are her favorite kid video games for 2012. This has been a banner year of games for kids, now with even more outlets to play them on. Innovation is the name of the game and Gudmundsen has an eye for the unique and fun.