Are Video Games Good Reading Practice? An Analysis of Literacy Opportunities in Six Popular Games (Poster 25)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 8:00 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Poster Session for the Special Interest Group "Research in Reading and Literacy" SIG 11

Abstract

There has been considerable focus lately on the decrease in children’s out-of-school reading habits (Marsh, 2023; Rosenberg, 2023; Scholastic 2019). Yet, these sources define reading only as books. There are many benefits from playing video games, but little information about the quality of literacy opportunities in games. This study evaluated what literacy opportunities are offered in games by analyzing the game text, auditory language, media, and social interactions. All games offered some literacy practice but varied greatly in type of literacy opportunities. Some games offered considerable vocabulary and sustained reading practice, while others focused on media and visual storytelling. The games required complex literacy skills, offering valuable literacy practice.

Author

• Catherine Rand, West Windsor Plainsboro School District