Digital games: Creating new opportunities for mathematics learning

Abstract

Drawing on the work of James Gee in literacy, we apply his contemporary approach to not only the knowledge systems of mathematics but also the processes by which school mathematics can be learned through the digital games environment. Using a number of games, and young people working these games, we propose that there are novel ways to learn not only many of the concepts that are integral to school mathematics, but such concepts can be learned in ways that are deep. The games environment offers an engaging environment that is substantially different from that experienced in formal school settings. We suggest that many of the principles that underpin the games environment may create new opportunities for teaching and learning that will (re)engage learners and learning of school mathematics.