Classroom gaming gains popularity

by Iowa Future

May 4, 2012

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For students in nearly half of K-8 classrooms digital gaming has become a regular and beneficial part of their study. Nearly half of teachers in grades K-8 are using digital games in their classrooms, according to a recent study, reviewed in an Education Week article.

The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop conducted the survey of over 500 teachers across the country.

Results showed that 18 percent of the teachers use digital games daily, with elementary teachers using games most frequently, while 32 percent said they use games two to four days per week.

Teachers surveyed found increased student motivation and engagement from game-playing. Sixty percent said using digital games helps them “personalize instruction, better assess knowledge and collect helpful data.”

The majority of teachers surveyed also reported that the games foster more collaboration among students.

Fewer than 10 percent reported negative experiences.

Digital games are described as any interactive digital activity using such devices as computers, tablet devices, mobile devices and game consoles.

The “Teacher Attitudes About Digital Games in the Classroom” (summary pdf) survey is part of the research being conducted by the Games and Learning Publishing Council to identify areas of innovation in gaming. The Council is funded largely by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.