About VGTVG
The Meaningful Digital Experiences Research Lab (MDXR LAB) at Monmouth University proudly presents Valid Gains Through Video Games (VGTVG). Since 2023, this unique annual conference, founded by Erik X. Raj and hosted at Monmouth University, aims to combine the exciting and important worlds of education and video games. With an emphasis on growing speech, language, and communication abilities, we believe that video games are a powerful medium that naturally engages players through storytelling, problem-solving, social interaction, and so much more. Therefore, our mission is to start, support, and celebrate meaningful conversations about this belief through this conference. By bringing together forward-thinking individuals from various roles in schools, healthcare, private practice, and video game design/development, we aim to generate ideas that help everyone see how video game experiences can be thoughtfully infused into learning and therapeutic goals. We believe that from this 21st-century approach, today’s students, clients, and patients can better succeed in the “game of life” and “level up” in education, therapy, and beyond.
Recapping VGTVG 2026
Thank you to the more than 125 registered attendees who joined us for last year’s VGTVG. Your presence and participation were instrumental in making the event such a success.
We were thrilled to welcome speakers and participants from our home state of New Jersey, from neighboring states including New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, and from farther away, including Vermont and Ohio. We were also incredibly excited to welcome international participants from Belgium and Poland.
Having representatives from across the United States and abroad enriched our discussions and helped foster a truly collaborative learning environment. This diversity of perspectives and experiences is one of the things that makes VGTVG so meaningful!
When, Where, and How Much?
Saturday, February 20, 2027, from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM
Monmouth University Graduate Center,
185 State Highway 36, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 (Building C)
As Always Registration is free
A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER
Erik X. Raj
Professor at Monmouth University, Director of the MDXR LAB (West Long Branch, New Jersey, USA)
Here we are… VGTVG 2027! This year marks the fifth installment of VGTVG, and that feels like a significant milestone for us. My lab and I are incredibly happy to welcome you back and to continue building this unique community together.
As always, we’ve worked hard to create an in-person conference specifically for you. And when we say you, we mean a certain kind of person. Someone who values digital technology, sees the potential of video games, and believes that games can serve as legitimate and meaningful materials for learning, engagement, and clinical practice. We hope this fifth installment gives you new ideas, new connections, and a renewed excitement for what’s possible in education and therapy.
ANNOUNCED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Felicita Chipak
School-based speech-language pathologist and founder of Divergent SLP (Hudson Valley, New York)
It’s our absolute honor to welcome Felicita as the keynote speaker for VGTVG 2027. She is a speech-language pathologist who has worked across private practice, preschools, and school districts since 2023. She is also the founder of Divergent SLP, where she is building Diverge, a professional community for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, special educators, and classroom teachers who bring creativity and technology into their work with kids. She is also developing a platform designed to turn ordinary therapy sessions into custom, immersive adventures.
A gamer and cosplayer herself, Felicita has long known what her students prove every day: children will pour themselves into a story and a quest in a way that no worksheet has ever asked of them. During her keynote, she will share how curiosity, play, and immersive design can transform the work of therapy into an adventure worth showing up for.
Announced Invited Speakers
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James Paladino
Speech-Language Pathologist at The Center for Discovery (Harris, New York)
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Kearston Healey
Assistant Professor at Misericordia University (Dallas, Pennsylvania)
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Ken Pescatore
Founder of Pokémon Professor (Red Bank, New Jersey)
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Daniel Campollo
Co-Founder of Kip Kip Games (New York City, New York)
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Aida Bahrami
Co-Founder of Kip Kip Games (New York City, New York)
Learning + Connecting
Additionally, the day will showcase interactive and playful panel discussions, and several accepted poster presentations will be on display at the conference. Poster presenters will include public and private K-12 educators, healthcare providers, video game designers/developers, industry and academic researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students. All poster presenters will be available to discuss their work and engage in conversations with attendees. The conference will also feature exhibitors showcasing innovative media, software, and other interactive tools, giving attendees opportunities to explore and experience these resources firsthand.
Join Us
This conference is designed to be inclusive, fostering an environment where every participant feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We firmly believe that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich the event and contribute to significant discussions and collaborations. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, all are encouraged to participate actively, share their unique insights, and engage in constructive dialogue.
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Information shared at VGTVG will benefit various professions and communities including:
• K-12 teachers, child study team members, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and administrators.
• Healthcare providers such as patient technologists and technicians, therapists and rehabilitation specialists, and social and emotional support team members.
• Private practice-based educators, therapists, and specialists.
• Video game designers, developers, and enthusiasts.
• Industry and academic researchers.
• Undergraduate and graduate students.
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Visit our Schedule page to learn more about what the day of the conference will look like.
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Visit our Registration page to register for this conference.
PAST CONFERENCES
Visit our Past Conferences page to learn more about the previous VGTVG installments that have taken place.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
Visit our Contact page to connect directly with the people behind this conference.