School testing and video games are both controversial topics, and it isn’t often that they are linked in a positive way. However, educators at Williford Elementary School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, believe that playing video games has increased fourth grade writing scores.

For 2 days a week over the past 3 years, for 45 minutes a day, fourth graders at Williford have logged onto Quest Atlantis, a video game in which players move through virtual worlds. Educator Nathanial Moses says that the games are beneficial since they "keep kids' interest while they are in school.” The games utilize science, math, reading, and writing skills.

Moses goes on to say that Quest Atlantis has made a big difference: recently, more than 60% of fourth grade students tested proficient in writing; two years ago, that figure was less than 30%. "They are more interested in writing” since the introduction of the video games, Moses said.

However, other Rocky Mount schools have made similar gains in the same time period without the use of Quest Atlantis, which is being tested in 26 North Carolina counties and paid for by corporate sponsors.

“We haven't done a full-blown study on what is happening in the state, but every story we are getting back is children are jumping three grade levels in two months,” George Newman, Quest Atlantis promoter, said.

Developers hope to expand the program to schools statewide; after that, schools’ start up costs would be about $1,500 per classroom.