Introduction to Games Based Learning

1. and
Adventure Author

2. Games Based Learning
• There is an increasing body of research which
supports the validity of games based learning
• Computer games not only engage with young
people but also promote learning
• 37% of the entire 16-49 population play
computer games
• 78% of 16-19 year olds
• 88% of 12-15 year olds
• 87% of 8-11 year olds (Pratchett 2005)

3. Games Based Learning
• Digital natives
• Motivational – tool of engagement
• Ownership of learning
• Supports all learning styles
• New and fun way of learning
• Suitable for mixed abilities
• Building a portfolio of evidence
• Different learning environment

4. Games Based Learning
Why did we opt to use computer
games?
• Increase in youth referrals
• Negative experience of education
• A new approach to engage

5. Games Based Learning
• West Nottinghamshire College modified
the commercial Neverwinter Nights
game
• A resource designed for the learning of
literacy, numeracy and problem solving
skills
• A series of tasks and puzzles wrapped
up in an enjoyable environment

6. Games Based Learning
• Disappointing Key Skills results
• Curriculum was not FUN
• Embedded learning
• Took an existing game engine and
reworked the content
• Tasks matched exam board portfolio
requirements

7. Games Based Learning
How does it work?
• While playing the game students need
to complete certain tasks and puzzles
• Evidence is recorded within the virtual
learning environment and paper based
resources

8. Games Based Learning
•
Eric the Red
3/4/2005
You have
successfully
written a
document using
correct formatting
.

12. Games Based Learning
Adventure Author
• Created by Dr Judy Robertson and her
team at Heriot-Watt University
• “For learners who have found playing
computer games to be a useful stimulus
to their literacy, a logical next step
might be to write their own.”

13. Games Based Learning
• Creative approach to designing and
making computer games
• Fantasy role play game
• Uses Neverwinter Nights 2 toolset
• Encompasses a wide range of learning
opportunities
• Deepens understanding of computer
science

14. Games Based Learning
• Design and make your own world

15. Games Based Learning
• Creating the storyline

16. Games Based Learning

17. Games Based Learning
• Writing dialogue can advance reading & writing skills

18. Games Based Learning
"Try not to have a good time ... this is
supposed to be educational." Charles
Schulz
Discussion question
Suggest some positives/negatives of
using computer games in the context of
your work

19. Games Based Learning
Positives
• Engagement with disaffected learners
• High retention rates
• Retains learner centred approach
• SQA Qualifications
• New and exciting method of delivery

20. Games Based Learning
• Team teaching approach
• Training and development
• Partnership working
• Working with local high schools under the Curriculum
for Excellence
• HMIe highlighted it as an example of good practice

21. Games Based Learning

22. Games Based Learning
• Learners comments included:
– “It was pure amazing man!”
– “I really enjoyed the course and the
staff were really helpful”
– “I thought I was stupid but have
learned a lot from it”
– “It’s a fun way to learn!”

23. Games Based Learning
References and Reports
• Neverwinter Nights - West Nottinghamshire College
• Adventure Author - Making Games in Schools, Dr
Judy Robertson, Heriot-Watt University
• Learning and Teaching Scotland’s games based
division - Consolarium
• Gamers in the UK: Digital play, digital lifestyles (BBC)
Pratchett, R (2005)
• Learning in Immersive Worlds, JISC, Sara de Freitas,
2006
• Computer Games, Schools and young people,
futurelab, Ben Williamson, 2009
• Gaming for reading - A feasibility study on the use of
video games to engage adults with low literacy in
reading for pleasure, June 2010

24. Games Based Learning
• Stephanie O’Donnell
• Stephanie.odonnell-cs@fife.gov.uk
• Helen Guthrie
• Helenr.guthrie@fife.gov.uk