In the video above (Big Thinkers series/Edutopia), Kurt Squire speaks to the idea that gaming can (and should) lead students into societal/civic engagement. He puts forth the notion that well designed games inevitably lead students to question (in the healthy way) that which they see around them. They begin to ask questions such as "Why are things the way that they are?" Squire suggests that this is precisely what good games, do; they create critical thinkers, and they motivate. Additionally, Squire suggests that games can and should give students the tools that they need in order to be change makers.
I love the heart behind this video/topic. Firstly, this is, in a sense, the redemption of gaming culture. I say this because gamers have a tendency to be looked upon as stagnant; cloistering themselves in order to become something within the virtual realm that they clearly are not, in reality; think World of Warcraft. Secondly, gaming culture is a language that students speak. So why wouldn't we seek to teach using something that is, not only familiar, but driving passions within our students? Of course, there's the age old question, can we afford it? What does implementation look like? Do some students become "haves", while others become "have nots"? And what about those kids that just don't get motivated beyond the scope of the game, itself? These questions are legitimate. However, I think, wherever possible, we should go to the students, and this is a prime example of how gaming can bridge that gap. As a teacher, I would try it.
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