Can Digital Games Boost Students' Test Scores?

Duncan, Laura

Barseghian, T. (2013, June 17). Can digital games boost students' test scores? [Web log comment].  Retrieved from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/06/can-students-learn-better-with-digital-games/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29

This article addresses the huge presence that video games hold in most children's lives, and whether they can positively impact students' achievement.  According to a new study, which analyzed 77 peer-reviewed journal articles of students, digital games, as compared to forms of instruction that did not include them, showed a positive effect on students' cognitive competencies - particularly in science, math, engineering and technology.  The author noted that integration digital games into classrooms is becoming increasingly popular, with organizations like the Gates Foundation launching labs to "prototype and develop games formative assessments."  Recent studies show that digital games are becoming one of the most popular types of technology integrated education and teachers are observing the positive impact that these games are making. Still, the author acknowledges that some teachers remain skeptical, pointing out the value of feedback and live interactions in the classroom.

This article is valuable, as it shows yet another example in which technology is moving into the classroom and  the positive potential that this integration could engender.  Worth reading for an appreciation of the role of video games in particular, and how they can be used in an educational manner.