Turns out those time-waster game apps may be anything but. Don’t get us wrong—we still love to see TXGU students spending their free time with their noses in books, or busy with budding entrepreneurial hobbies. But it seems we can’t quite cut out gaming as a potential (legitimate!) learning tool. 

Dr. Lisa Galarneau, games researcher and socio-cultural anthropologist, provides a rundown on the many ways digital gaming helps students learn. She also oh-so conveniently highlights the abilities and skills required to play that actually translate into success in school environments and the real world beyond.

With what we know now, we may not be as quick to get our students off their computers and phones—just so long as they keep playtime out of the classroom.