UCF Study Finds Video Games Increase Student Achievement

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

Based on research conducted by the University of Central Florida (UCF), immersive educational video games can improve students' math skills and comprehension and raise scores on district-wide benchmark exams.

According to the study, over an 18-week period, students playing the educational video games demonstrated higher gains on district benchmark exams than students not playing the games. On average, students in the experimental group made gains of 8.07 points (out of 25), while students in the control group made gains of 3.74 points.

"These research results are remarkable and support previous studies which have concluded that interactive games are more effective on learners' cognitive gains than traditional classroom instruction alone," said Ntiedo Etuk, CEO and co-founder of Tabula Digita, maker of the DimensionM educational video game series. "We are teaching a new generation of students, which requires unconventional teaching strategies be put into practice in the classroom. And when schools use our games, the student benefits speak for themselves--a greater desire to learn and higher test scores."

The study, conducted by a team of faculty and graduate students at the university, consisted of 193 algebra and pre-algebra students and 10 teachers, all from Orange County, Florida. Experimental and control groups were used to test the researchers hypotheses and were evaluated using pre- and post-study district benchmark exams, game preparation tests, surveys, classroom observations, and personal interviews.

In addition to increased test scores, researchers found that teacher training, as well as focusing on the integration of games was essential to enhancing student learning. They also found that students were not only capable of figuring out game-play on their own, but were also willing to help fellow classmates with the game mechanics.

Get daily news from THE Journal's RSS News Feed


About the author: Chris Riedel is a freelance writer based in Florida. He can be reached via e-mail here.

Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].

About the Author

Chris Riedel is a freelance writer based in Illinois. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • blue AI cloud connected to circuit lines, a server stack, and a shield with a padlock icon

    Report: AI Security Controls Lag Behind Adoption of AI Cloud Services

    According to a recent report from cybersecurity firm Wiz, nearly nine out of 10 organizations are already using AI services in the cloud — but fewer than one in seven have implemented AI-specific security controls.

  • lightbulb

    Call for Speakers Now Open for Tech Tactics in Education: Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation

    The annual virtual conference from the producers of Campus Technology and THE Journal will return on Sept. 25, 2025, with a focus on emerging trends in cybersecurity, data privacy, AI implementation, IT leadership, building resilience, and more.