Initial thoughts and concerns about game-based learning

I can't say I have ever been much of a gamer. I've never owned any game console, nor had one in my home. With all the time I spend on the computer, none of it is spent with gaming. I do teach an introduction to video game design to my 7th grade students. We use Scratch. It is a blast, and I love creating my own games, and watching my students create games.
I really enjoyed the assigned reading this week. I do think that there are ways to engage the current generation that aren't being used fully. We need to tap into their intrinsic motivation. All my students (mostly the boys) ever want to talk about is video games. I am always looking for educational games to point my students toward when they are all caught up in my class. My favorite is Incredibots.
The main concern I have is the amount of time young people spend in front of video games. I think that many of them are losing their childhood to the console. Kids need to get outside, play in the dirt, ride bikes, have physical interactions not just virtual ones. I may sound crazy for saying that, but it's what I feel. I believe in balance in all aspects of life.
I am excited to participate in Second Life. I have heard so much about it and am truly amazed by it. I am really looking forward to learning how to create objects and doing scripting for those objects. I like to do 3D modeling and I like to program. The possibilities of what can be done are endless. I can't wait for class tonight!