1. Video games can improve problem solving skills and self-efficacy through mastery experiences as players conquer challenges within games. 2. Games impact self-efficacy in several ways such as expanding identity, generating learning communities, and encouraging intrinsic motivation. 3. Flow state, or being in the zone, can be achieved through games as the balance is struck between the difficulty of challenges and players' skills.

1. Video games,
Problem Solving and Self-
Efficacy
Pamela Rutledge, PhD, MBA
Media Psychology Research Center
prutledge@mprcenter.org
August 3, 2012
@pamelarutledge
Symposium
Innovations for ADHD: Video Games and Digital
Media for Improving Academic and Executive Skills

7. Hidden in every video
game are mastery
experiences waiting to be
conquered

8. Phone or Solution Portal?
• Mobile
• Personal
• On-Demand
• Social Connections
• Answers
• Advice

11. Self-efficacy is believing in our
ability to act successfully

12. Games Impact Self-Efficacy in a
Number of Way:
1. Expand identity
2. Generate learning communities
3. Build social connections
4. Promote decision-making strategies
5. Encourage intrinsic motivation
6. Create positive emotions

13. Rules of Engagement

14. Communities of Practice
GamesCom 2011 computer game fair in Cologne, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2011/09/are-you-satisfied-with-rogers-response-to-throttling-online-game-speeds.html

15. DIWO: Quests with Friends

16. Adaptive Problem-Solving

17. Getting in the Zone

18. FLOW
CHANNEL
Anxiety
Challenge
Boredom
Skill

19. FLOW
CHANNEL
Anxiety
Challenge
Boredom
Skill

20. Scaffolding

21. The Joy of Mastery

22. purpose
resilience optimism
competence
engagement
self-efficacy

24. Dr. Pamela Rutledge
Media Psychology Research Center
prutledge@mprcenter.org
@pamelarutledge

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