Video games are often thought of as a waste of time, nonconstructive and not a form of exercise. Since technology is becoming something that is taking over and is seen everywhere, it only makes sense that video games are used as an educational tool. Not all video games are educational, for example the ones with killing and shooting like Grand Theft Auto, but then there are some that may help develop life long skills, like SIMS. Bringing video game technology will be a benefit to the students, especially the ones who can't leave their house without their hand held system and some extra video games.
One day not too long ago I was in the nail salon and a lady came in with her son who was about 9 years old and her new born baby. I never saw her sons eyes because he was looking down at his game the whole entire time. He was able to multitask while playing also. While his mom was getting her nails done, she told him to give the baby her bottle. He took one hand, reached into the bag, and put the bottle in the baby's mouth; all while never stopping to look at anything but his game. Everybody was looking and laughing and the mother said that's what he does all day. Now wouldn't it be great if he was playing something that would enhance his education? I think so.
I went on one of the websites that is listed in the book www.evgschool.org/Language.html. There are links to games that can be played to enhance vocabulary skills, there are dictionaries, crossword puzzles and you can click on a specific grade from kindergarten to 6th grade to get games. I am going to be an English/Language Arts teacher so I enjoyed this website. The pictures make sounds and are animated, things that will make children want more. In my class, I will integrate these computer games by assigning them to the students who need help. The fact that there's nobody helping them to complain or laugh when they get something wrong, which may happen if a student was helping, will encourage them to keep trying. Since most children play video games at home on the computer anyway this won't necessarily be a new thing to them.
I agree with your post and i feel that gaming in the classroom will do wonders for children that are in specail eduction. Technology has come a long way and I believe that if incorporated properly into the classroom students will benfit from it tremendously.
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