Play is a basic human need. Playing games can also help us understand the values, norms, and moral concepts of a society. In the twenty-first century, the gaming experience of children, teens, and adults is increasingly digital. While digital games open up great creative potential, they also raise concerns—for example, in regards to their sometimes violent content, which can lead to mental overload.

How can digital games be addressed and incorporated into lessons and educational work? How can practical engagement with the medium of games encourage a critical, reflective, and skilful approach?

Games can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom and other educational settings. This applies both to so-called serious games, which pursue a specific learning outcome, and to tools and applications that allow children and teens to be creative and develop their own games. This workshop provides an introduction to the world of digital games, presenting examples of best practice for educationally relevant games and offering the opportunity for creative coding.