Technology-related games

What technology-related games have you played in the past? What are your favorites? What are your thoughts concerning the use of gaming for education/learning?

I grew up playing an Intelevison that played Atari games. When I was in the USAF I played Duke Nuke Em. I have never really been drawn to video games or any kind of role playing. I know that it can be a useful way to learn. My learning and mind are in no need of this. I am ashamed to admit that my favorite games have been the ones where there is fighting and shooting. But I have such a vivid and colorful imagination that a book or a day dream can do more to take me to another world than a video game can.

I'm excited about what video games and role playing could do for kids. I wonder if at one point they combine holographic images and video games. What would it be like to talk to a live size version of Ronald Reagan, etc. Students are so drawn into video games and could benefit from them. What I like is when the role playing games make kids think about what they are doing and solve problems. The World of Warcraft games did this with finances, and bartering.

I do wonder though, if students are trying to avoid thinking too much. Thinking equals work and work equals no fun and relaxation for them.

I do believe that this is a worthy area for education and technology to pursue and develop. The idea of taking students into a virtual history of the Battle of Midway where they see the battle unfold and can be held to the same limitations and options that the participants had in relaunching the battle as they role play General MacArthur is fantastic. Students would really understand history in a way that is nearly impossible to explain.