dig games video_games_traditional_q3
TRANSCRIPT
What do we know from research on:
Key points• Qualitative & quantitative evidence shows that in particular cases
video games compared to traditional teaching methods, can be more successful in strengthening students’ knowledge, skills & attitudes towards the topic taught.
• Digital games provide a meaningful and engaging context, especially for students who are not motivated in traditional settings (see slide 3).
• They can be more practical & efficient in certain situations & allow for collaborative learning & development of various skills & knowledge, especially when students create them (see slides 4, 5, 6 & 7).
• However, they cannot replace teachers, and are only useful as support tools in certain situations & need to be combined with relevant pedagogies (see slide 8).
Why are digital games engaging?
Digital games can be more practical & efficient teaching tools in some cases, including where:
Learning through trial & error
Unlike paper-and-pen methods, the electronic format of digital games enables students to repeat tasks indefinitely,
so that they can learn from their mistakes through a process of trial and error.
Digital games are more conducive to user-centred & collaborative learning
Students are in the pilot seat & at the heart of the activity, while teachers become fellow collaborators. Games-Based
Learning settings promote interaction within & between teams & allow for ‘wall-less classrooms’ emulating authentic technology supported collaborative working environments.
Learning by creating a digital game
Getting students to create a digital game has various learning benefits:
• Improvement of students’ literacy skills, digital skills, writing skills, and knowledge of the topic
• Digital literacies are promoted by requiring students to combine different information sources (e.g. text, video, graphics etc.)
• Students need to review the learning material/content thoroughly before integrating it into the game
• Improves memory retention, editing skills & knowledge of concepts
• Is engaging because students are involved in an authentic activity where knowledge is contextualized
Digital games are not standalone learning solutions & need to be combined with relevant pedagogies
• Digital games can be used in specific circumstances to increase learning outcomes compared to other media or teaching methods (e.g. text books or web-based learning).
• BUT they cannot replace teachers whose support & guidance is crucial for their successful integration.
• Digital games are more effective when they are incorporated within instructional programmes that include briefing & debriefing.
Further information
For a reference list and full discussion of all academic articles and policy papers used as a basis for this visual presentation, please consult the ‘in depth’ answer associated to this question.
For a summarized text version of the above mentioned ‘in depth’ answer, please consult the ‘in short’ answer associated to this question.