I'm even more bullish as to whether WoW counts as much more than team play with training wheels on.
When you screw up team play on the playground you can make enemies, rivals that will follow you through school for years to come, a reputation (for better or worse). You may have to look another kid in the eye and tell them, "No".
I don't doubt you can acquire some skills from online play, but if you think you're leveling up in self-esteem, social skills, I imagine that will get really put to the test when you find yourself alone at a party, or in an interview for a job.
Like flight simulators, they can be educational but I suspect it's a whole 'nother level of learning and experience when you could die if you screw up.
When you screw up team play on the playground you can make enemies, rivals that will follow you through school for years to come, a reputation (for better or worse). You may have to look another kid in the eye and tell them, "No".
I don't doubt you can acquire some skills from online play, but if you think you're leveling up in self-esteem, social skills, I imagine that will get really put to the test when you find yourself alone at a party, or in an interview for a job.
Like flight simulators, they can be educational but I suspect it's a whole 'nother level of learning and experience when you could die if you screw up.