Are computer and video games effective teaching tools?

To the excitement of many youngsters, computer and video games have entered the educational playing field. Research increasingly supports the cognitive benefits of such games -- not to mention the fact that most kids today are already playing them and loving them -- and now educators and game designers are finding new and exciting ways to embed curricular content into complex yet fascinating play environments.

On the other hand, critics charge that the games' educational benefits have not been clearly established. Furthermore, competitiveness and the use of hierarchical scoring systems can compromise engagement for some students, and video gaming at school reinforces the digitized and sedentary lifestyle many young people already experience at home. Would you, or do you, use digital games in the classroom? We're interested in your opinion.