What's Happening?
Dartmouth College's Geisel School of Medicine is developing digital health games for autistic students through its play2PREVENT (p2P) Lab. Supported by a $755,000 grant from Proof Positive, the initiative aims to create games that focus on emotional resilience,
social confidence, and positive coping strategies. The project, named 'Level Up Happiness,' seeks to provide students with virtual experiences to practice skills applicable to real-life challenges. The lab, founded by Dr. Lynn Fiellin, has a history of creating educational games addressing mental health and decision-making. The games are designed to be accessible on any device with Wi-Fi, ensuring ease of use for schools with limited resources.
Why It's Important?
This initiative addresses the educational needs of autistic students, a group often underserved in traditional educational settings. By integrating digital games into the learning process, the project aims to complement existing therapies and enhance students' well-being. The use of scientifically-backed games could provide schools with effective tools to support autistic students' development. This approach also highlights the potential of educational technology to offer personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse student needs, potentially influencing future educational policies and practices.
What's Next?
The p2P Lab will continue to develop and evaluate these games over the next two years. The outcomes of this research could lead to broader adoption of similar educational tools in schools across the U.S. If successful, the project may encourage further investment in educational technologies that support special education. The lab's findings could also inform policymakers and educators about the benefits and limitations of using digital games in educational settings, potentially shaping future curriculum development.
