Learning games are interactive and engaging educational tools that can be used to support student learning and achievement.
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They can be an effective way to motivate and engage learners, and can be used in a variety of educational settings. Here are some best practices for creating effective learning games:
Identify the Learning Objectives
It is important for learning games to be aligned with the learning objectives of the course or program. This ensures that the game is focused and targeted, and that it supports the desired outcomes.
Use Clear and Logical Structure
A clear and logical structure is essential for creating an effective learning game.
- Start with a storyboard: Create a visual representation of the game’s structure, including the levels, sections, and activities.
- Use clear transitions: Make sure that the game’s flow is clear and easy to follow between levels, sections, and activities to guide players smoothly through the game.
- Use clear progression: Ensure that the game’s progression makes sense, with activities and challenges that gradually increase in difficulty.
- Incorporate assessment: Formative or summative assessment throughout the game to track progress and measure success.
- Use clear and consistent navigation: Make it easy for players to find their way around the game, and ensure that the navigation is consistent throughout the game.
Incorporate Real-World Examples
Using real-world examples and scenarios can help make learning more relevant and meaningful for students. Learning games should incorporate realistic and authentic scenarios that are relevant to the learners’ lives and interests.
Use Engaging Elements
Learning games should include engaging and interactive elements to keep students motivated and engaged. Mix in different games such as:
- Escape room games: Problem-solving games that challenge students to solve puzzles and riddles in order to “escape” a virtual room. They can be used to teach a variety of subjects, such as history, science, or math, and can be customized to meet the needs and interests of the learners.
- Simulation games: Allow students to explore and experiment with real-world scenarios in a virtual environment. They can be used to teach subjects such as business, finance, or healthcare, and can provide students with hands-on experience and practice in a safe and controlled environment.
- Quizzes and trivia games: Test students’ knowledge and understanding of a subject. They can be used to review and reinforce learning, and can be customized to meet the needs and interests of the learners.
- Puzzle and logic games: Challenge students to think critically and solve problems. They can be used to teach subjects such as math, science, or computer programming, and can help to improve problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- Role-playing games: Give students a chance to explore different roles and scenarios in a virtual environment. They can be used to teach subjects such as history, social studies, or language arts, and can help to improve communication and collaboration skills.
Use Clear and Concise Language
Learning games should use clear and concise language to communicate the content and structure of the game. This can help to ensure that the game is easy to understand and follow for learners. Best practices include:
- Avoid using complex or technical language and instead use simple, direct language that is easy for players to understand.
- Use words and phrases that players are familiar with and that are relevant to the game’s content.
- Avoid using jargon or technical terms that players may not understand.
- Use active voice to make the language more engaging and to clearly convey the game’s message.
- Avoid using language that is open to multiple interpretations and can cause confusion.
- Be consistent in the use of language throughout the game, to ensure that players can easily understand the content.
- Use multimedia elements such as images, audio and video to help explain difficult concepts or terms.
- Use concrete examples that illustrate the game’s message, this helps players to understand the content more easily.
- Use appropriate humor to make the learning game more engaging and fun for the players.
Test and Revise
It is important to test and revise the learning game to ensure that it is effective and meets the needs of the learners. This might involve piloting the game with a small group of learners and soliciting their feedback, or conducting a review of the game with subject matter experts.
Conclusion
Creating effective learning games requires careful planning and attention to the needs and preferences of the learners. By identifying the learning objectives, using a clear and logical structure, incorporating real-world examples, using engaging and interactive elements, using clear and concise language, and testing and revising the learning game, instructional designers can create engaging and effective learning experiences.
