First and foremost, I would like to complain about the video itself in that it is impossible to appreciate visual jokes and witty quotes when one cannot actually see them. Now on to the actual content: being a former gamer myself--former only because I no longer have time; I still watch my husband play and help him solve puzzles--I can easily understand the benefits of gaming. I actually find in my classes that, for the most part, my die-hard gamers are typically the more intellectually advanced. Teaching middle school, though, I still have a very hard time thinking they have the maturity to handle having a phone out during class.
As far as the ROLE of video games in education, I can see how they would be great for a virtual lab in science, a supplemental or immersion-based lesson in history, or just about any elective or vocational course. For Language Arts, however, I think gaming would be more tricky. I suppose one could use the discourse in games such as the Elder Scrolls series or something like that where word craft is considered a skill as a lesson, but I think even that might be a stretch. I did like the concepts, though, that Prensky outlines of presenting a problem-solution format, providing a goal or consequence, and providing images before text. THOSE things I feel that I can take back to my classroom, although our PS3 will remain safely at home.
The SPED department actually has a couple Wii's at one of my schools. Possibly a tool for hyperactive students to release some energy? I could definitely see gaming being useful for building collaboration skills. I think there is a lot of potential for blending social gaming with education without making it lame. I think having Common Core in just about every state will create a better market for this type of product development. I also think there is opportunity for more problem-based learning as opposed to simply drilling kids on facts.
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