Educational Game-Based Learning

Brenda Kerr

Why Use Games?

• How the Net-Generation interacts with media.

• Promote learning/interest in topic• Reduce Instructional Time• Change attitudes toward a topic• Non-threatening• May improve visual and cognitive skills

Why Are Games Effective?

• Learning takes place within a meaningful context. (Situated Cognition)

• Play is a primary socialization mechanism in our culture.

• Cognitive disequilibrium and resolution (Assimilation/Accommodation)

Richard Van Eck

Digital Game-Based Learning and the Future of EducationMTSU – IT Conference

www.mtsu.edu/~itconf/mtsufac/

Types of Learning Determines Game Style

• Facts• Skills• Judgment• Behaviors• Theories• Reasoning• Observation

• Process• Procedures• Creativity• Language• Systems• Communication

Card Games

Promote the ability to:

• Match concepts

• Manipulate Numbers

• Recognize Patterns

Jeopardy Style Games

Promote learning of:

• Verbal information– Facts, labels, and propositions

• Concrete Concepts

Site License and Free Software

• Respondus StudyMate(MTSU Site License)

• Quandary - Web-based Action Mazes or Interactive Case Study (http://www.halfbakedsoftware.com/)

Arcade-Style Games

• Promote

• Speed of Response

• Automaticity

• Visual Processing

Adventure Games

Narrative-driven open-ended learning environments promote:

•Hypothesis testing

•Problem solving

3 Approaches for Integrating Games into the Curriculum

• Students Build Games from Scratch

• Educators and/or Developers from Scratch for Students to Use

• Use Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Games

Students Create Games From Scratch

• Flash– Adobe Flash– Mediator 8

Instructors / Developers Create Games

• Environmental Detectives

• Hazmat: Hotzone

• River City

• Virtual Uhttp://www.virtual-u.org/

Commercial Off-The- Shelf Games (COTS)

• Most Cost Effective (Money & Time)• Game Examples

– Civilization (history)– CSI (forensics & criminal justice)– SimCity (engineering)– RollerCoaster Tycoon (engineering)– RollerCoaster and CruiseShip Tycoon

(business management)

COTS Websites

• www.Silversprite.blogspot.com

• www.socialimpactgames.com

• www.gamesparentsteachers.com

Next Step - Emersion

• Second Lifewww.secondlife.com

• Whyvillewww.whyville.net