In the last three volumes of the Learning, Education, & Games book series, we looked at how games may teach knowledge and skills, like STEM topics, ethics, or writing. We also investigated how games might be integrated into all different learning contexts, like libraries and homeschooling. Some chapters have described how to use games to support accessibility, inclusion, and empathy.
But, this is not enough. We believe it is necessary to devote an entire volume (or multiple volumes, depending on interest!) to address how to use games to actively include our Black and Indigenous students, our students of color, our students with disabilities and differing needs, our LGBTQA++ students, our students from marginalized religious and ethnic backgrounds, and other disempowered students.
For the fourth volume, we aim to create a practical guide for how to use games for supporting inclusion, compassion, care, equity, and justice—in the classroom and beyond. This is a guide, aimed at educators, who want to use games (digital/analog), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the classroom (or in other educational contexts, such as online, libraries, homeschool environments, afterschool, or camps).
The guide will include at least case studies of 50 games/interactive experiences that could be used in educational settings (including K-12, preschool, and higher education). In each case study, we will explore how real educators have used the game – what they learned, their tips and techniques, and what worked and didn’t work. The 50 case studies will focus specifically on how these games can create inclusive communities, and enhance equity, and justice for marginalized students.
Thus, the case studies will explore anti-racist, inclusive, and equitable uses and designs of games. This includes how to use games not explicitly designed for inclusion, as well as how to incorporate games that are purposefully designed for inclusion in some way.
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