“For Math Homework Tonight, Level up and acquire the Sword of Eternity”: Learning Math Through Video Games

Keith Devlin, Ph.D.
National Public Radio “Math Guy”
Professor of Mathematics, Stanford University
Executive Director, Human Science & Technologies Advance Research Institute

Many educators have suggested that videogames can enhance school mathematics learning. Their arguments generally focus on two factors: (a) almost all school-aged children play videogames regularly, so why not get some mathematics learning in there; (b) videogames generate intense levels of engagement, resulting in huge amounts of “time on task,” which could be channeled to mathematics learning. But these reasons miss the point. For the everyday, practical mathematics learned in school, videogames are the ideal medium. (The worst possible medium? The textbook.)

Dr. Devlin is a Professor of Mathematics and Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Language and Information at Stanford University. He is also a regular commentator on National Public Radio where he is known as “The Math Guy.”

He has written 28 books and over 100 published research articles. Recipient of the Pythagoras Prize, the Peano Prize, the Carl Sagan Award, and the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics Communications Award. In 2003, he was recognized by the California State Assembly for his “innovative work and longtime service in the field of mathematics and its relation to logic and linguistics.”

Visit our online bookstore for a list of Dr. Devlin’s books »

Directions to the American River College Theater »

Download Event Flyer »