Video Games in Classrooms

Mark Prensky makes it apparent in his lecture that the concept of technology differs greatly from teacher to student in present day.  He points out that back in the good ole days, content was the focus of education where the class followed the book exactly with no deviations because they did not have the technology to use.  The book was it.  Now, almost every student has a computer or smart phone readily accessible.  They have grown up accustomed to changing technologies and using them especially video games.  They provide entertainment, excitement, social skill building, captivating images, and all the mindless wasted hours parents think they bring. Prensky points out that kids today have to turn their brain off before they come to school, because it really does look boring compared to the technologies they use outside of school.  Engaging them and motivating them is more important than the content for students to learn.  As a teacher that goes against everything I have been taught in school, but after thinking why not make the content engaging for the students in a format they enjoy using.

Honestly, I do not know enough about video games to be able to incorporate them or even the location of the power button.  I have never heard of a teacher using them in class effectively.  However, I do think that technologies will be a benefit to the classroom, even if it is not video games. The new iPad cart at my school is a much-used asset.  My students have made videos, presentations, and all sorts of assignments using them.  Participation was at an all time high because they were using a technology they enjoyed. An important part is asking the students “What sucked?” about an assignment using technology as Prensky puts it.  The students have amazing ideas, and their teachers should listen to their ideas to make students more engaged. I do not want them to power down in my class.