Grand Theft Heutagogy: A Reflection on the Utilization of Video Games as a Teaching Tool in the Lecture Theatre

Abstract

This paper explores the utilization of the video game Grand Theft Auto as a unique tool within the lecture theatre to develop contemporary heutagogy. Drawing upon the authors’ personal reflections in the form of an autoethnographic account across a four year period, the challenges and benefits of utilizing the approach within in-person and virtual learning environments is interrogated. Utilizing video games as a means to ensure students are active participants whilst learning complex theoretical paradigms has proven highly beneficial, aiding in the reduction of attainment gaps and wider barriers to learning. So too, the approach has enabled cohorts to disentangle criminological problems whilst being empowered to question the nature of public criminology within contemporary discourse. Active engagement with video games whilst in the lecture theatre, by both students and lecturers, has enabled a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Heutagogy
• video games
• criminology
• reflexivity
• autoethnography

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Craig Kelly

Craig Kelly is a Lecturer in Criminology at Birmingham City University. He is the Personal Tuition lead within the department and is focussing upon develop ways to enhance the student experience alongside working towards his doctorate. Along with Dr Lynes he is the editor of the upcoming book 50 Dark Destinations: Crime and Contemporary Tourism.

Adam Lynes

Adam Lynes is a Reader in Criminology and deputy director of the Crime and Society research centre at Birmingham City University. His research focuses upon critical notions of violence, and the editor of the 50 Facts book series.