Verizon Foundation Partners With American Library Association On Gaming for Learning and Literacy Project
Let the games begin.
The Verizon Foundation recently entered a new arena, announcing its first grant supporting gaming and learning at last week's 2008 annual conference of the American Library Association (ALA) in Anaheim, Calif.
The ALA will use the $1 million grant to study how gaming can boost library attendance and enhance learning and literacy skills. Experts will develop a gaming model for the nation's 9,000 public libraries.
"For years we've considered video games to be a deterrent that distracts children, teens and college students from reading books," said Tim McCallion, Verizon President — West Region. "But gaming is not a passing fancy. Evidence shows that using it to bring students into a book rich environment helps improve learning and 21st century skills like problem solving and critical thinking."
At the conference, the ALA's 22,000 participants had a chance to touch and feel the world of gaming at Open Gaming Night and exhibits sponsored by Verizon Foundation.
"We've come to realize that gaming is a magnet that attracts library users of all types, and beyond its entertainment value, has proven to be a powerful tool for literacy and learning," said Loriene Roy, outgoing ALA president. "This grant will allow us to provide the library community with vital information and resources."
