Video Games in the Classroom

I would probably be the last person to ever advocate using video games in the classroom, but I can see some similarities and things teachers could use to improve student engagement. The games provide challenges, require problem solving, offer skill-based competition, and then reward effort by achieving new levels. These ideas seem like pretty good strategies to include in teaching. I am still leery of the flashing light, moving-action-game hypnosis that seems to enrapture especially boys playing games, but I think we could use these other reward strategies to hold student interest in difficult subjects.

Facebook is doing a great job increasing traffic at their site by offering lots of game applications. Some of them are puzzle oriented brain teasers, but many are social games where players invite neighbors into the gamespace. I see opportunity here.