Game-Based Learning
Game-based learning has gained considerable traction since 2003, when James Gee began to describe the impact of game play on cognitive development. Since then, research — and interest in — the potential of gaming on learning has exploded, as has the diversity of games themselves, with the emergence of serious games as a genre, the proliferation of gaming platforms, and the evolution of games on mobile devices. Developers and researchers are working in every area of game-based learning, including games that are goal-oriented; social game environments; non-digital games that are easy to construct and play; games developed expressly for education; and commercial games that lend themselves to refining team and group skills. Role-playing, collaborative problem solving, and other forms of simulated experiences constitute topics for further research, but are recognized for having broad applicability across a wide range of disciplines.
Source: 2011 Horizon Report
Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
jenaca 12:00 am on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I believe this is a wonderful way for students to absorb new information and have fun with it. Incorporating games into a learning environment is a positive method to help students learn and enjoy learning without even realizing it!
jarvise 5:46 am on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
When we look at foundational, big picture skills that span across curriculum and beyond the reaches of educational settings into real-world ones, the ideas of teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving in complex situations come up. What better way to target these than game-based learning? There are a lot of possibilities here…
David William Price 7:46 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I worked for a company that did serious games and I contributed the writing design and content for a game still sold by the Canadian Standards Association for workplace health and safety. That being said… I really think it’s all about the design. The problem is that if people are unwilling to put in the time required to design in-person lessons, they seem even less likely to put in the time to develop worthwhile games. The cost of development per hour of game is enormous. My concern is people jump on the excitement of a medium and ignore the requirements of design. It’s the Clark vs Kozma debate and I am firmly on the Clark side.
schiong 11:36 am on October 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi,
I agree that design is very important. A mentor once told me that when developing an application … 2/3 is spent on design and 1/3 on programming. I think he just wants to emphasize the importance of design.
Juliana 9:20 am on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think game based learning can be a good way for student’s to learn if it is done well. I think there is the possibility of teaching complex concepts such as scientific inquiry, but it does take time and it does need to be executed well in the classroom. Often times the classroom teacher needs to be given training on how to support the implementation of game based learning in the classroom.
Angela Novoa 1:22 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Game-based learning can promote creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. It also promotes autonomous learning. In London the Sorrell Foundation and My City Too have intended to launch programs that include game-based learning. Here in Chile there are some organizations, such as Innovacien (http://www.innovacien.org/), that are promoting this kind of learning in a number of schools.
wongte 6:32 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Game Based learning is a way to learn and have fun – a combo that I find very effective. I also like the opportunity it has for role play situations for an ESL class. I’ve heard and would love to explore the potential of the Sims or 2nd life for use in online learning with language students.
Jay 8:26 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think the idea of using a game such as the Sims for online language learning is a great idea, but I think it is important to couple such learning with in-class role-plays that allow for a face-to-face component.
murray12 6:51 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I usually try to find a game to play on the SmartBoard that deals with the day’s learning goals. It’s amazing how much more involved students get when there’s a game to be played.
kstooshnov 1:04 pm on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
There’s got to be a game more productive than 7 Up or Silent Ball which uses classroom technology and gets all the students participating, but I can’t think what that game might be.
Jay 8:31 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Developing an effective game that doesn’t involve technology can be time consuming so I can only imagine the time and costs that go into the design of a those that do. If used properly they may be a great way to learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills but I think to much focus on game-based learning would remove an important human interaction component of collective learning and focus to much on individual learning.
David William Price 9:50 am on September 9, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Perhaps another way to think about it is case-based learning and problem-based learning rather than game-based learning. Whether the case or problem are presented as a game perhaps doesn’t matter. The key part is gathering information, conducting an analysis, reviewing options, and making choices.
themusicwoman 9:40 am on September 10, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think the potential for game based learning is amazing. We all know that when something isn’t “fun”, we don’t tend to enjoy it as much. As well, the learners that are emerging are comfortable with games. Let’s use the skills that many of the learners already have to our advantage.
mcquaid 9:01 am on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think one of the beauties of game-based learning is that it can be sneaky, passive, or unintentional – while a student is having fun being wrapped up in a game, they end up taking information in (or creating it, for that matter – even collaboratively) and learning about things that were perhaps not seemingly part of the point of playing the game at all.
Julie S 11:49 am on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I became really interested in the serious games area after playing the PeaceMaker game. I would really like to explore if there’s a way to apply this type of concept to business analysis as it could keep a curious person engaged if it’s done well. I think it could also encourage the analyst to look at the interviewing process in a new light. I noticed that there is a business game posted in the Horizons report that I’ll have to check out. I think serious games have huge potential for adult learning opportunities.
khenry 5:02 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
While this was not one of my top 8 choices it is an area I am very interested in. I believe that there is great value in game-based learning in its motivational and interactive attributes. However, more research and time needs to be extended in focusing on design from an educational perspective. The problem is whether or not such time and effort can be reflected in the profitability of such a venture as educational tools etc. traditionally have not been able to resolve high costs of design as have commercial products, which have been more desired thus increasing demand and broader levels of sales.
Deb Kim 7:38 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
For “unpopular” subjects like Math, game-based learning is a great idea and a good opportunity for students to enjoy them.
hall 8:23 pm on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I think game-based learning could be very useful in getting my students to understand concepts in physics and mathematics. I realize that the average students including adult learners like game and will easily gasp concepts when they are engaged in interesting activities. In my view, games can create the platform for learners to participate in class activities.
schiong 1:44 pm on October 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I believe that Game-Based Learning has a place in education. But, I am concern about the possible consequences.
a) If a child interacts with a computer most of the time, would it affect his social skills?
b) if a child spends too much time on a game, would his attitude towards classroom setting change?
Would it affect his eyesight (similar to watching tv at close range)?
There are many Game-based learning.
If a child wants to play Game-based learning everyday, would that be okay?
is there a need to set a time limit?
… going to an extreme case..
child: “Dad, why do I have to go to school? I can learn math, science, english , etc … through Game-based learning”