New Jersey teacher uses game development technology to educate fifth graders

It’s refreshing to hear that there are gamers in the community using their gaming knowledge towards a positive, educational experience that benefits students.

That is what one teacher in Trenton, New Jersey did when he took his favorite pastime and created an after school program that challenged as well as exercised all the skills an average fifth grade student learned throughout their school year.

“I have been playing video games since I was four years old (so I guess that means 20 years now),” said Giancarlos Alvarado, a Parker Elementary School fifth grade teacher and the founder of the Video Game Design Institute after school program, during an exclusive Gamertell interview. “I have owned most of the major video game systems with the Sega Saturn being my all time favorite!”