Posted 8:27 PM by George Siemens
I've harped about authenticity in teaching (primarily from a perspective of evaluation)...this link focuses on authentic activities...short, quick read. At the top of the same page - interesting thoughts about games:

1. Anything that you can teach by using any method, you can teach by using training games.
   
2. Training games can be designed rapidly and inexpensively.
   
3. Training games engage the learners and produce effective results.
   

I agree with all the points - in fact a lack of "fun" in learning is a serious concern...are we afraid that if learning is fun it isn't learning? I often hear statements that today's generation has "MTV attention spans". It's used negatively, but I've certainly seen the positive side of it as well. This attention span also has the ability to focus a teenager to spend 3 hours trying to advance a level in Nintendo. Educators have lessons to learn from video game designers...