As major advances in technology rapidly transform the world, it’s no surprise education is also evolving. Traditional classrooms with projectors and dry erase boards are no longer the only option for connecting with students.
An astounding 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and nearly half reported in 2024 they are “almost constantly” online. This type of digital exposure changes how young minds work and engage with the world around them. It’s time their education became just as tech-savvy.
Game-based learning is one emerging approach. Virtual experiences outside of school are already a huge part of students’ lives. Recreating these environments in a school setting has the opportunity to yield increased engagement and excitement. By reaching students where they are online, educators can tap into their natural desire for exploration, play and competition, effectively enriching their studies.
As an elementary math interventionist at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA), I’m the first teacher at my school to pilot full-time, game-based instruction in the K12 Zone, an interactive virtual campus that turns online learning into an open-world experience for students. Using an avatar, students can explore curated online modules and classrooms that cover core subjects such as math, social studies, science and language arts.
I work closely with third through fifth graders who struggle with math. In my experience, students who have faced challenges with concepts tend to push harder against learning these subjects and shy away from classwork due to frustration or embarrassment. This self-doubt makes learning an uphill battle at times, but with gamebased learning, I show them how math can be fun and useful, rather than scary.
Virtual classrooms also offer additional creative flexibility and seasonal themes that encourage student participation. In December, I designed a module to resemble Santa’s Village, where my students could move from location to location as they answered questions. Although the class isn’t physically moving, controlling their avatar helps students who typically struggle to concentrate stay connected and participate more.
Beyond curriculum, this virtual world connects students with their peers. Students can participate in field trips, clubs and classes all while enjoying a safe, welcoming digital environment.
Each Zone is tailored to different groups of grades, so students can chat, video call and participate in group activities with their peers at OVCA. This approach prepares students to have a positive online presence and learn how to navigate an increasingly digital world.
Through my work, I have seen the K12 Zone improve critical thinking, skill development and motivation for students. When we bring technology-powered, interactive experiences into the classroom, learning becomes more inclusive and accessible to every student.
Game-based learning is leading the next generation of education, but we can’t stop here. As our world evolves, education solutions must keep pace. This is the moment to lean into innovations like virtual education and games because when learning feels engaging and enjoyable, students don’t just show up they thrive.
— Jennifer Ratzloff is an elementary math interventionist at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, a tuition-free, full-time online public school for students in grades K-12.
