I watched the Games in Education conference.  I thought several interesting points were made regarding games in the classroom.  First, play IS a child’s work.  However, games should be used to encourage problem solving strategies and make connections to the appropriate curriculum.  Games just to “shoot” an answer, etc. is really no different than a worksheet.  Two points that she made in regards to using games in the classroom were adequate time needs to be appropriated for games and the teacher needs to act as the administrator.  I also think proper follow up to games is necessary.  I certainly use educational games (some through publishing companies) to enhance learning and my students love becoming familiar with the computer. 

Kicking it up a notch would be allowing students to design their own games.  I think that sounds very exciting.  I can see how that would take games to the next level.  I was amazed to find out about the logo language and the scratch web where students are designing their own games.  I really am behind!! 

I think, like everything else, games to enhance learning are only as beneficial as the teacher allows through careful planning and appropriate follow up.  We all know the old saying “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”  I think that holds true in the use of games in the classroom also.  Just using it as a time filler, etc. would be a plan to fail.