David Warlick... 'Video Games as Learning Engines'

Games with educational potential... good idea. I've used a chemistry "game" in my Chemistry 20 class called "Mixed Reception" (http://www.chemcollective.org/mr/) with good success. It does work.

I have to disagree, however, with a point Mr. Warlick made about (to the effect) that the environment is not as important as the 'problem solving' aspect ("playing tag, more than the military aspect"). I think environment is far more influential in students' minds... I'd hate to desensitize students to the long-term effects of some actions by highlighting short-term (entertainment) benefits.

I'll need to check out these links: http://seriousgames.org/ and http://gamesforchange.org/ for more info...

Use http://scratch.mit.edu/ (demonstrated) and http://www.alice.org/

How to use the qualities of games that students enjoy in the classroom:

Native Information Experience:

• Is responsive
• Provokes communication
• Is fueled by questions
• Values personal experience and identity
• Demands personal investment
• Values safely made mistakes
• Measures accomplishment
• Rewards with audience and attention

"Plugging It In".... Identify role of teacher and role of students. (Good strategy: "I'm having trouble... can YOU (students) make a movie trailer to excite next year's students?"). Students solve problems in this way...

http://www.notsonoisy.com/