Chris Evans

Ellen Middaugh

Joseph Kahne

This report focuses on the civic aspects of video game play among youth. According to a 2006 survey, 58 percent of young people aged 15 to 25 were civically "disengaged," meaning that they participated in fewer than two types of either electoral activities (defined as voting, campaigning, etc.) or civic activities (for example, volunteering). Kahne and his coauthors are interested in what role video games may or may not play in this disengagement.Until now, most research in the field has considered how video games relate to children's aggression and to academic learning. Digital media scholars suggest, however, that other social outcomes also deserve attention. For example, as games become more social, some scholars argue that they can be important spheres in which to foster civic development. Others disagree, suggesting that games, along with other forms of Internet involvement, may in fact take time away from civic and political engagement.Drawing on data from the 2006 survey, the authors examine the relationship between video game play and civic development. They call for further research on teen gaming experiences so that we can understand and promote civic engagement through video games.

The Civic Potential of Video Games

Mark Smith

Ashley N. Woodson

H. James Garrett

LaGarrett J. King

Esther Kim

Sarah McGrew

Joel Breakstone

Teresa Ortega

Sam Wineburg 

Avner Segall

Margaret Smith Crocco

Anne-Lise Halvorsen

Rebecca Jacobsen

Erica Hodgin

Christopher H. Clark

Jennifer Hauver

Since the 2016 presidential election, the term fake news has become part of the national discourse. In this book, leading civic education scholars unpack why fake news is effective and show K-12 educators how they can teach their students to be critical consumers of the political media they encounter.

An Educator's Guide to Navigating the Media with Students

Unpacking Fake News

Joseph Kahne

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