Mobile Digital Games as an Educational Tool in K-12 Schools

Abstract

Games are one of the most elemental and basic of human activities that interest people of all ages. Mobile digital games can be used as a beneficial educational tool to enhance teaching, promote student learning, achievement, growth, and development as well as to cultivate students’ twenty-first century skills. The aim of this chapter is to discuss how educators can use digital gaming as an instructional tool in their classroom, regardless of age level or subject area, and thus transform their students into active participants and increase their student achievement levels. This paper examines core aspects of digital gaming, the benefits of digital gaming as well as its limitations such as the challenge of determining the appropriate technology to align with pedagogy and age level. Suggestions are offered as to how the issues can be addressed and concluded with implications for future study.