Principles of Learning and Electronic Games
Educational games that are built on sound learning principles have the following benefits:
Scaffolding
Games can be adapted based on students’ needs. Scaffolding can be provided through the use of levels: easier levels are typically played first, advancing on to more complex levels as the player achieves mastery. Games introduce new concepts in a logical learning progression, forcing players to master a concept in order to advance. The step-wise increase in difficulty reduces frustration and allows players to form knowledge and strategies.
Personalized learning
Eliminating typical pedagogical problems of differentiation by allowing students to learn in his/her own way and pace.
Differentiation in schools in five processes:
(1) knowing the strengths and weaknesses of students,
(2) developing teaching and learning strategies based on student needs,
(3) engaging curriculum choices,
(4) supportive school organization, and
(5) community, local institution, and social service support.
Games provide at least the first 3 processes. Strengths and weaknesses can be inferred based on players’ actions during the game and information from the players’ actions are continually aggregated to create an updated picture of the players’ competencies. Research shows that weaker students benefit the most, showing significant results in engagement.
Instant feedback and assessment
Games allow players to improve their performance and reach their goals. The idea of immediate feedback is essential for good formative assessment. Work is improved with constructive feedback as this is inherent in well-designed games. Assessments provide means for quantifying knowledge and abilities. The “non-invasive assessments” provide continuous information which can be analyzed. Games used as tools for formative assessment that included elaborated scoring explanations with feedback resulted in higher learning gains.
21st century skills
Games foster collaboration, problem-solving, and procedural thinking which is important 21st century skills. The abundance of options and possible decision points within games forces players to not only apply their knowledge but to adapt their knowledge to varying situations. Digital games teach and reinforce skills important for future jobs such as collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.
Principles of Learning and Electronic Games
(Kearney & Van den Berghe, 2009, p. 17)
Educational games that are built on sound learning principles have the following benefits:
Scaffolding
Games can be adapted based on students’ needs. Scaffolding can be provided through the use of levels: easier levels are typically played first, advancing on to more complex levels as the player achieves mastery. Games introduce new concepts in a logical learning progression, forcing players to master a concept in order to advance. The step-wise increase in difficulty reduces frustration and allows players to form knowledge and strategies.
Personalized learning
Eliminating typical pedagogical problems of differentiation by allowing students to learn in his/her own way and pace.
Differentiation in schools in five processes:
(1) knowing the strengths and weaknesses of students,
(2) developing teaching and learning strategies based on student needs,
(3) engaging curriculum choices,
(4) supportive school organization, and
(5) community, local institution, and social service support.
Games provide at least the first 3 processes. Strengths and weaknesses can be inferred based on players’ actions during the game and information from the players’ actions are continually aggregated to create an updated picture of the players’ competencies. Research shows that weaker students benefit the most, showing significant results in engagement.
Instant feedback and assessment
Games allow players to improve their performance and reach their goals. The idea of immediate feedback is essential for good formative assessment. Work is improved with constructive feedback as this is inherent in well-designed games. Assessments provide means for quantifying knowledge and abilities. The “non-invasive assessments” provide continuous information which can be analyzed. Games used as tools for formative assessment that included elaborated scoring explanations with feedback resulted in higher learning gains.
21st century skills
Games foster collaboration, problem-solving, and procedural thinking which is important 21st century skills. The abundance of options and possible decision points within games forces players to not only apply their knowledge but to adapt their knowledge to varying situations. Digital games teach and reinforce skills important for future jobs such as collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.
Principles of Learning and Electronic Games
(Kearney & Van den Berghe, 2009, p. 17)