Educational video and computer games may be one of the most exciting elements of a Web 2.0 world. The development of new technology allows for games that are interactive, challenging, and in which students are able to build and explore. They provide an opportunity to bring history to life, especially valuable in working with students with special needs. Civilizations is an example of a game that does this, which was mentioned in the "Digital Games" article, and which we also learned about in our Social Studies class at Bank Street. Games like these are the most exciting to me.

As we discussed in our presentation, I think the best games are those that provide an experience that could not otherwise be provided in the classroom - whether that's because they provide a low-stress experience for a student who has anxiety at at school or because they do what Civilizations does in making the abstract more concrete. Games also create a major source of motivation for students who struggle with reading - in my classroom, the kids who are the biggest gamers happen to be the ones who have the most difficulty with reading. Starfall.com's interactive reading games have helped them develop stamina as they find a reason to be interested in reading. I only hope that the tech gurus of the world continue to develop more of these games for younger children, and that schools prioritize their use and training of teachers in incorporating them into the curriculum.

- Harper Keenan