Game & Gamification
What is an instructional game?
Software that combines game rules and/or competition with learning challenges.
One name benefit of instructional games.
Increased motivation, engagement, problem solving, collaboration, and or learning.
What can happen when students focus more on winning than learning?
The instructional purpose can be lost because winning because the main focus.
What should teachers examine to determine a game's curricular value?
Whether learning the curricular content is central to the game's objectives and can be applied outside the game.
What type of learning can instructional games encourage?
Problem- or inquiry based learning
What is gamification?
Applying game-design elements or mechanics to a nongame learning activity.
What game feature gives students information about their performance?
Feedback
Why should game goals correspond with learning objectives?
Students could win the game without actually learning the intended content if the goals do not match.
Why should teachers consider a game's technical requirement?
To make sure the game works with the available computers, operating systems, software, hardware, and other technology.
Why should serious games be aligned with the curriculum?
So the game supports curricular learning objectives instead of being isolated activity.
Name two common game mechanics used in gamification.
Any two: points, badges, leaderboards, competition, rewards, levels, rules, or storytelling.
What two types of learning can serious games support?
Problem-based learning and collaborative learning.
Why does "transfer of learning" mean?
Applying knowledge or skills learned in a game to later nongame situations
What should teachers consider about social and cultural representation in games?
Games should represent racial, ethnic, gender, language, cultural, and ability groups respectfully and avoid stereotypes.
Why should all students have a meaningful role when using instructional games?
So students of different abilities, backgrounds, language levels, and achievement levels can participate meaningfully in learning.
What is one difference between an instructional game and gamification?
An instructional game is a game designed around learning, while gamification adds game elements to an activity that is not normally a game.
How can competition and rewards affect student motivation?
They can increase engagement and motivation, but rewards may emphasize extrinsic rather than intrinsic motivation.
Name one barrier to using instructional games in the classroom.
Examples include: lack of technology, cost, ;limited class time. teacher perceptions, curriculum or standards alignment, or difficulty gaining approval.
Why are assessment capabilities important when choosing on instructional game?
They help show student learning progress and provide useful information to students and teachers.
Why should teachers create their own learning objectives and assessments when using games?
Because not all games have sufficient assessment tools to determine what students actually learned.
What is a serious game?
A game that intentionally incorporates instructional content and learning into gameplay.
Name three game-design features that can support learning.
Any three: interactivity and feedback, achievement and rewards, playfulness, collaboration, problem solving, realistic or immersive environments, or motivation and competition.
Why can a game be entertaining but still be ineffective for learning?
Because being fun does not guarantee that the game supports learning objectives or curricular content.
Name three criteria teachers should consider when selecting an instructional game.
Any three: curricular value, pedagogical framework, assessment capabilities, social and cultural considerations, playfulness and motivation, technical requirements, physical dexterity, or game development.
Besides academic content, name two skills instructional games can help students develop.
Any two: attention, perseverance, prosocial behavior, problem solving, or cooperative group-work skills.