Comparison Between Two Types of Educational Computer Games

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Dedeaux ◽  
Taralynn Hartsell

Background. Educational computer games can enhance learner engagement and content knowledge gain. Video games based on Malone’s theory of game design that involve challenge, fantasy, and curiosity can help improve learning. Aim. The purpose of the study is to compare differences between two drill-and-skill games to learn French phrases. Variables examined were student engagement, content knowledge gain, and demographical implications (e.g., gender, minority status, and socio-economic status). One of the games in the study meets Malone’s theory of game design. Method. This quasi-experimental study divides participants into two groups, each playing a different type of drill-and-skill game. Instruments to collect data include a pre- and post-test on French phrases and a digital game engagement questionnaire. Participants receive a short instructional session, game play time, and instruments to complete. Results. No significant results have been found in content knowledge gain and engagement between participants in the pre- and post-tests. A slight difference in relation to minority status has been discovered. Feedback from the participants show a positive response toward the games, except that some distraction and technicality have interfered with their learning. Conclusion. Although results are inconclusive, drill-and-skill computer games can be a tool to enhance learning and provide student engagement.

Author(s):  
Michael K. Gardner ◽  
David L. Strayer

Developers of educational computer games often have incomplete knowledge of the cognitive abilities of learners, yet this knowledge can be useful in informing game design. This chapter reviews two important cognitive abilities that underlie learning: working memory and attentional capacity/executive function. From a description of the developmental course of each ability, we derive a set of recommendations for game developers to follow when designing games for learners of different ages. The chapter next reviews the psychology of transfer of training, including two major theories on the issue. The doctrine of identical elements appears to give the better description of how transfer occurs from training environment (the educational computer game) to target environment (real world performance of the learned skill). It is recommended that games embody, as closely as possible, the end behavior they hope to produce, as this will produce maximal transfer. Finally, we review some controversial research demonstrating distant transfer in computer video gaming.


Author(s):  
Tetiana Luhova

The article touches on the issues of humanization of modern technologically advanced education, analyzes the synergy factors of information technology and spiritually-oriented pedagogy to prepare a new generation of humanist managers. For this, the role of narrative and storytelling in the process of creating educational computer games that form the competence of making managerial decisions is determined. An analysis of the knowledge structure of educational games on the basis of the proposed methodology for developing their plot shows the need to balance the processes of formalization of educational processes in the game, preserving narrative by referring to works of folk art, classical fiction as sources of implicit knowledge. The threats of formalization and automation of modern education are described. It has been found that “relay” learning is superficial, it does not contribute to the formation of critical and systemic thinking. As a result, this leads to the emergence of a generation of techno-button-managers. It is indicated that the preservation and effective translation of deep narratives containing educational humanistic meanings is a priority for designers of educational video games. The components of the game by D. Gray, game history and pedagogical strategies in the MDA model are compared, which made it possible to clarify the meaning of the terms “narrative”, “plot”, “storytelling”, to determine the place of their greatest actualization in the process of creating educational computer games. Considering the general tendency of the techno-environment to reduce, optimize and formalize, the task of preserving tacit knowledge, correct translation of it into over-formalized knowledge (morals, formulas) through effective storytelling, embodied in "active learning" of computer games, is crucial. In this case, the narrative plays the role of a base of spiritual-oriented knowledge, and with the help of storytelling it balances the spiritual-ethical meanings and educational results of a business video game. The meaning of the terms "narratives" and "storytelling" is considered, the Ukrainian-language terms-analogues are proposed. The importance of adhering to the principle of non-linear game plot for increasing the effectiveness of business games is revealed. The close relationship of business games with case studies, project- and problem-based training was emphasized. The correlation of narratology and ludology of the game is shown in the matrix of transformation of professional competencies and procedures for making managerial decisions into the rules of the game, their metaphorization and translation into script phrases. It is shown that the gamification of training exercises and situations is a synergy of creative and information-analytical work with databases and game design project documents. The core of educational game design is the balance of narrative and storytelling, explicit and implicit knowledge. This balance is achieved through effective collaboration and communication between all participants in the educational and business processes. Creation of virtual learning environments in which a future leader has an opportunity to formulate and comprehensively develop the competencies of business communication and managerial decision-making in situations of uncertainty and ethical dilemmas is a promising area of digital education.


Author(s):  
Michael K. Gardner ◽  
David L. Strayer

Developers of educational computer games often have incomplete knowledge of the cognitive abilities of learners, yet this knowledge can be useful in informing game design. This chapter reviews two important cognitive abilities that underlie learning: working memory and attentional capacity/executive function. From a description of the developmental course of each ability, we derive a set of recommendations for game developers to follow when designing games for learners of different ages. The chapter next reviews the psychology of transfer of training, including two major theories on the issue. The doctrine of identical elements appears to give the better description of how transfer occurs from training environment (the educational computer game) to target environment (real world performance of the learned skill). It is recommended that games embody, as closely as possible, the end behavior they hope to produce, as this will produce maximal transfer. Finally, we review some controversial research demonstrating distant transfer in computer video gaming.


2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Oksana A. Kucheruk

The article deals with the problem of forming the lexical competence of younger teenage pupils with the use of computer games in the process of learning the Ukrainian language, the ways of its solution and the corresponding methodical recommendations are offered. The importance of creating and using computer games in order to improve the quality level of Ukrainian-language education is substantiated. The essence of the concepts of «lexical competence», «educational computer game» is specified. On the basis of analysis of scientific works, synthesis of educational and methodological ideas, generalization of own experience of pedagogical work the conditions of effective use of educational computer games within the limits of Ukrainian-language education are determined. It has been established that the integration of computer games into the traditional Ukrainian language learning system helps to provide internal motivation for learning, activating pupils ‘cognitive activity, forming general and substantive competencies. It is emphasized that the effectiveness of educational computer games in the language training of students depends on the level of professional education, ICT competence and linguodidactic skill of a teacher-translator. The educational potential of an interactive educational game complex is described, which is to stimulate interest in teaching the Ukrainian language and creates opportunities for the formation of lexical competence on the basis of electronic linguodidactics.


2004 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Egenfeldt‐Nielsen

This paper outlines the barriers for using computer games in an educational setting by drawing on a study of a two‐month history course with the historical strategy game Europa Universalis II. The paper draws on the limited earlier literature on the subject to identify classic areas of difficulty. Some of these are time schedule, physical setting, class expectations, teacher background, genre knowledge, technical problems, experience with group work, teacher preparation, perception of games, class size, priority issue. It is concluded that these factors add up to a tremendous workload on teachers that wish to engage with educational computer games and demands that the teacher possesses a variety of skills.


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