What is Game-Based Learning?
(Digital) Game-Based Learning describes „any marriage of educational content and computer games“ (Prensky (2007, p. 145)). As such, the game becomes the training. Important game types are: Serious Games and Simulations.
Why is Game-Based Learning useful?
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Experience as main driver for learning: According to learning scientists experience is an important factor of learning: “If you do it, you learn it”. This can be obtained by applying serious games and simulations.
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Immediate feedback: Serious Games and Simulations provide players with current feedback on their actions. They allow players to test different behaviours and strategies and experience possible implications (Christen and Katsarov (2018)).
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Learning effects: Numerous meta-analyses show superior learning outcomes when learning with Serious Games and Simulations compared to traditional learning techniques (Sailer and Homner (2020)).
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Safe environment: Serious Games and Simulations enable a risk-free learning environment. This allows for players to make mistakes and to derive valuable learning experiences from these (Fox, Pittaway, and Uzuegbunam (2018)).
How does Game-Based Learning work?
Effects paths of Serious Games and Simulations (Mayer (2011); Wouters et al. (2013)):
- Cognitive path: Enhanced cognitive activation and versatile approach to learning content
- Motivational path: Promotion of intrinsic motivation, leading to longer and more intensive engagement with learning content
Effects (Mayer (2011); Wouters et al. (2013)):
- Cognitive effects: Increased acquisition of declarative and procedural knowledge
- Motivational effects: Increased interest and target focus, experience of one’s own competences, satisfaction of motivational needs