Date of Award

12-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Department

English

First Advisor

Timothy Barnett, Ph.D.

Abstract

Video games are an essential part of emergent popular culture, with millions playing games every day. With how popular gaming has become, it is logical to research its full potential as a literacy tool both inside and outside the classroom. This thesis contributes to the discussion of the importance and potential of video games as a literacy tool that can be utilized educationally and through gaming at home. This thesis includes a section for gaming definitions, a literature review on research on video games and their impact on education and literacy skill development, a discussion of video game narratives, and how video games can help bridge the gap between various forms of literacy. The types of video games studied vary from games designed for learning to two of the most popular video games of all time: Minecraft and World of Warcraft. In conclusion, I will discuss and analyze the research based on my opinion of gaming and literacy through my experiences as a gamer.

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