Play video games in school?

I remember playing one game in elementary school, in fact, after playing it in school I liked it so much I went out and bought for home. I really learned a lot from it too. In Orgeon Trail, I learned how to budget money, and what some of the things one travelling to the west would have had to go through, among other things. I also went out and bought a book about one girl making that journey went through.

I think that video and computer games can be a useful tool in reaching kids, but in reason. The games would definately need to be monitored. As well, the amount of time spent playing the game would need to be set. Perhaps, the game could open up a discussion about a subject in upper grades, and help reinforce what the students are learning in lower grades.

Incorporting something that a student uses outside of home just might spark an interest that he or she might not have had otherwise. Being able to actually play the role as if you are living in a time period, etc. really can bring a subject to life, but it won't feel like work.