The Future of Reading: Using Video Games as Bait to Hook Readers Jacqueline Wirkerman Computers and Education Rutgers University, Fall 2008

The Need to Read All experts agree kids need to learn reading and writing skills as part of their education All experts agree kids need to learn reading and writing skills as part of their education Need for both print and digital competence, especially as some countries are implementing computer reading tests starting next year Need for both print and digital competence, especially as some countries are implementing computer reading tests starting next year Debate over importance of each type of literacy, though video game/book combos might touch on both Debate over importance of each type of literacy, though video game/book combos might touch on both

Why Play or Read? “They are looking to be dropped into an intriguing story and to become a intriguing story and to become a character in the story.” -Rick Riordan

Extra Motivation Video games provide interaction and excitement that usually isn’t present in books Video games provide interaction and excitement that usually isn’t present in books Feed-back in video games is instantaneous Feed-back in video games is instantaneous Narratives in video games are more straightforward and sometimes easier to enjoy Narratives in video games are more straightforward and sometimes easier to enjoy Can the combination of video games with books bridge the gap in interesting kids? Can the combination of video games with books bridge the gap in interesting kids?

Current Projects “The Rings of Orbis” – Novel and online game “The Rings of Orbis” – Novel and online game “The 39 Clues” – Book series and online game “The 39 Clues” – Book series and online game “The 39 Clues” “The 39 Clues” Brisingr – Online game created in anticipation of the book release Brisingr – Online game created in anticipation of the book release

Potential Positives Entwining the two combines a fun activity with something previously ignored Entwining the two combines a fun activity with something previously ignored Online boards and chats about gaming still consists of reading and writing Online boards and chats about gaming still consists of reading and writing May attract a wider audience to books May attract a wider audience to books Some equate it to using games in classrooms or libraries Some equate it to using games in classrooms or libraries

Potential Problems Bringing digital reading to print sources Bringing digital reading to print sources If kids need information, they will skim to get it, and not actually read the books If kids need information, they will skim to get it, and not actually read the books Widening the audience Widening the audience These games seem targeted at students who already like the narrative aspect of games, not those who are purely interested in the game-play These games seem targeted at students who already like the narrative aspect of games, not those who are purely interested in the game-play Sales gimmicks Sales gimmicks Not everything attaching reading to games will provide a positive experience Not everything attaching reading to games will provide a positive experience

Resources Literacy Debate: Online R U Really Reading? Literacy Debate: Online R U Really Reading? Literacy Debate: Online R U Really Reading? Literacy Debate: Online R U Really Reading? Using Video Games to Hook Readers Using Video Games to Hook Readers Using Video Games to Hook Readers Using Video Games to Hook Readers Is Google Making Us Stupid? Is Google Making Us Stupid? Is Google Making Us Stupid? Is Google Making Us Stupid?