I suspect that if you have been reading my blog for any length of time you have probably already figured out that I am pretty eclectic in my postings. Today I thought I would share an interesting gaming site I came across over the weekend…Fupa.

This gaming site features a number of free strategy and word games that can be embedded on your homepage or blog. Now, I am not saying these games are high order simulation-type games, but they still serve a purpose from the standpoint that they engage, motivate, teach students to think and reason, and they help students build small motor skills. And hey…who said students can’t have fun as they learn!?

Of course there is a catch (well, a couple actually). The embedded games link to the Fupa site which may contain some games that you might not want students to access…in other words, check the site for content you feel is appropriate for your students. Users might also need to endure some advertising depending on the game you embed or select for your site (though in many cases users can bypass the advertising…it depends on the game). The advertising doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that every embedded game links to the site. I understand why the games link back, but still wish the developers of the site would give educators an opportunity to select games that could be used strictly for educational purposes without the worry of a link back. I know this is asking a lot, especially since the resources are free, but hey…one can always dream (or pay a small fee perhaps?).