Can video games be used to promote learning, literacy, and positive social interaction in a
community?
The Park Ridge Public Library set out to show that the answer to this question could be yes, in the grant
activities of “Video Games = Fun + Learning.” During the process of the grant, activities ranged from inhouse video game programming, video game “outreach” to organizations, schools, and community-wide
events, and a large scale Gaming and Learning Expo held at Maine South High School. The goal was to
purchase and provide video game equipment that community organizations could check out and use
with their customers of all ages. Underpinning these activities was extensive research and a solid focus
on video games as learning tools.
A pre-survey of about 150 Park Ridge residents ages 7-50+ revealed that many had generally favorable
feelings toward video games. Most felt that video games could be positive tools for motor skills and
socializing, but were less sure about video games in terms of formal learning and literacy. Library staff
then set out through grant activities to educate the community on the learning potential.
Objective #1: Get the word out and promote positive uses of video games
The library partnered with Have Dreams, an organization that works with autistic children, and the Park
Ridge Teen Center. Outreach focused additionally on senior centers / nursing homes, schools, and preschools. All in the community were encouraged to visit the Video Games and Learning blog at
http://videogamesandlearning.wordpress.com
Those that weren’t convinced that video games could be positive tools were encouraged to attend the
Gaming and Learning Expo to learn more.
Objective #2: Community-wide Gaming and Learning Expo.
A Gaming and Learning Expo was held in February 2009. It offered hands-on exposure to video games,
top-notch speakers on the topic, and a forum for discussion and exploration. In addition to LSTA grant
funds, the Gaming and Learning Expo was sponsored by Park Ridge Public Library, the Friends of the
Library, and the Park Ridge Teen Center.
Presentations included:
“Video Game Industry Q & A.” Michael Henson, DeVry University Game and Simulation
Programming Faculty
“Animating 3D Characters for Game and Film.” Josh Jones, DePaul University
“How to Really Get a Job in the Game Industry.” Simeon Peebler, Flashpoint Academy
“Skills and Systems: Good Educational Design.” Nate Scheidler, GamesforEducators.com
Columnist
“Gaming MegaTrends: Games for Fun and Profit.” Krishna Kumar, Academic Liaison for
Microsoft
Other activities:



Game Designer meet-and-greets. Artists, designers and animators that have worked on:
SimYard.com, Mortal Kombat, Stranglehold Guitar Hero, F.E.A.R., Fracture
Information tables from area universities including DePaul University, DeVry University,
Flashpoint Academy and ITT Tech
Hands-on gaming arcade including Rock Band, Wii Fit, DDR, Little Big Planet, and more
Educators were especially welcomed, and CPDUs were available.
Objective #3: Provide video game equipment to community organizations free of charge
As of March 1, 2009, any community organization in Park Ridge could check out video games from the
Park Ridge Public Library free of charge.
Checkout policies:



Organization must have a Video Game Loan Agreement on file with the Library
Checkout periods are 1 week, renewals allowed with permission
Overdue fines are applied at the rate of $10 per day
Equipment available for checkout includes: 3 Wiis, 3 Xbox 360s, 3 Playstation 2, Wii Fit, Dance Dance
Revolution, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Scene It Trivia games and handheld devices, and much more.
While recent educational research has argued that video games can be valuable learning tools, the
formal use of video games does not seem to have trickled down to schools or other organizations that
work in an educational capacity with children, teens, adults or seniors. We feel Libraries are in an
important and pivotal place to close the gap among students who have access to video games and those
who don’t, much as Libraries have helped narrow the digital divide.
The “Video Games = Fun + Learning” grant brought community members together to learn about,
discuss, and experience video games and learning in an engaging, hands-on way. It increased access to
video game consoles and equipment among community organizations and community members at
large. It provided opportunities for positive social interaction, promoted video games and learning, and
educated community members about the research in these areas. Finally, it providing intergenerational
learning and experiences via video game play.
The Park Ridge Public Library hopes that we have only started something that will go far beyond our
community to achieve innovative education strategies for all ages.