Article post on secrets of video game designers

• In Keith Stuart’s article “The seduction secrets of video game designers,” video games and their attractiveness to the general public are discussed.  Several ideas are mentioned contributing to the appeal, including autonomy of the player, disproportionate immediate feedback, feeding curiosity, judgement-free play and safety of the player to fail (which at times is even encouraged).  Other concepts adding to the rise of video game play across multi-generations are the authority given to players, tension in the story/game and its resolution, and the graphics celebrating accomplishments as well as surprise rewards during game play.
• In classrooms today, students are increasingly expecting “rewards” for completing assignments.  Although intrinsic motivation is still in evidence, in my opinion there is less visible now than in the past.  Extrinsic motivators, such as game play may be a way to encourage students to participate and complete learning goals.  In most classroom management seminars I've attended, praise and encouragement are often in the first plan suggested for student engagement.  How great would it be if we as educators could have the technology and plans to deliver most/all of our lessons to students in game form?  Ahhh, Utopia!