Technology is a huge part of the new curriculum in schools. Many school are using Smartboards, and computers, and some even have iPads for the students in the classrooms! At first, I am sure there was hesitation about the students using the equipment for the right reasons and the possibility of a student looking up inappropriate material and causing an issue in the classroom. To me, this can be handled by simply knowing your students. You, as their classroom teacher should know them pretty well and know if they are mature enough  to handle certain modes of technology. By directing them and monitoring the activity on the Internet, it can be used in a safe and educational way.
The same idea goes for video games. There are some games that are inappropriate for young students. The instructor has to be an active part in picking the games and websites.

I was a critic of video games at first. I was never much good at them so I never spent much time playing them. My sister, however, is very active in the gaming world. She is a very strong advocate for the encourage of video game play in and out of the classroom. Part of my speculation against video games had largely to do with the video games that I did know about. The only ones I'd heard about were Assassin's Creed, Resident Evil, and Call of Duty. To me, these games were...stupid, for lack of a better word. Of course, I would not tell you to use these games in the classroom. I am merely suggesting that a deeper look be taken at video games before placing judgment on the games, as well as those who play them.

Do video games have a place in today’s education system?  There are many spectators that would say no to this statement. I, however, think that educators should encourage the use of technology in the classroom. Whether the public likes it, or not, video games are an integral part of modern society. Instead of chastising children for spending their free time on the computer or game system, find out more information about what skills are being used when they are playing said games. Recent studies have shown that video game involvement increased literacy skills in students as young as four years old. This is not to say that you should let your 4 year old play Call of Duty. Game playing would need to be monitored, as well as using age-appropriate titles. Bringing video games into the classroom can have a positive effect on student learning, as well as a positive effect on their attitudes about learning.

If a student is given the choice to play an educational video game, versus reading a book at school, more often times than not, the student will choose the video game. Select video games that work on math skills, literacy skills, and basic skills like critical thinking and problem solving. Many games require a specific set of problem solving skills that are unique to each title. They allow students to create a completely unique and personal world at the tip of their fingers. Many games have been noticed by specialist for their foundational problem solving nature. These games include; The Legend of Zelda, Bakugan: Defenders of the Core, and Starcraft, to name a few.