Washington, D.C. – October 26, 2021 – The Higher Education Video Game Alliance (HEVGA) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today released a new report highlighting the benefits of using video games in K-12 settings.
Based on an extensive review of decades of academic literature, the report, Benefits of Video Games in K-12 Education, discusses the benefits of using video games both in and outside of the classroom. The review is augmented by in-depth interviews conducted with teachers currently using video games in their schools.
The report highlights key findings from the literature: video games engage students, meet students where they are, enhance problem-solving skills, and help teachers accommodate different learners.
Whether part of a curriculum or after school club, the literature further underscores how video games are dynamic learning tools that promote engagement and resilience, stimulate collaboration, develop technical skills, and encourage participation. The report ends with a section outlining considerations for educators.
“The educators interviewed for this project work at public, charter, and independent schools in big cities, suburbs, and towns across the country. They teach math, science, language, history and more,” HEVGA President Andrew Phelps said. “The research shows these educators are successfully using games as powerful tools to foster learning, exploration, and connection. We hope the report encourages more teachers to use video games in their classrooms.”