Game-based Learning

Overview

Game-based learning can be defined as a comprehensive learning experience where students engage in iterative cycles of assessment and feedback through the use of game mechanics. With our without the use of technology, GBL requires a new way of thinking about curriculum design and the role of the teacher.  Game-based learning is a designed experience, whether an original creative endeavor as in the courses from Lee’s Sheldon’s book The Multiplayer Classroom or a semester situated around a commercial digital environment like Fantasy Geopolitics. 

Games are a great way to increase the engagement and motivation of students, but the entire "gaming ecology" created the greatest impacts on learning. Consider the following in your own game-based learning endeavors:

• How will the game meet learner where they are, and adapt to changing understandings?
• How will the learner get consistent and timely feedback to game play?
• What technologies can support this process and reduce teacher workload?
• What events or communities surrounding game play can support reflection and a deeper understanding on content?  
• How will you determine success?

Media

Tweets by @GBLedu

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Projects

• CI/HCI 510: Foundations of Game-based Learning (Iowa State University)
  
• CI 202: Digital Learning in the Secondary Classroom (Iowa State University)
  
• HDFS 183: Personal Finance in Early Adulthood (Iowa State University)

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Publications

• Nadolny, L. & Halabi, A. (2016). Student participation and achievement in a large lecture course designed with game-based learning. Simulation & Gaming, 47(1), 51-72.
• Hutchison, A., Nadolny, L., & Estapa, A. (2015). Using coding apps to support literacy instruction and develop coding literacy. The Reading Teacher, 69(5), 493-503.​
• Alaswad, Z. & Nadolny, L. (2015). Designing for game-based learning: The effective integration of technology to support learning. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 43(4), 389-402.

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Learn More

Conferences

• http://www.gamification.co/
• http://www.seriousplayconference.com/  
• http://glsconference.org/2014/ 
• http://2015conf.seriousgamesconference.org/
• http://www.galaconf.org/

Videos

• Classroom Game Design: Paul Andersen at TEDxBozeman
• Extra Credits: Gamifying Education
• Teaching Tips 8 - Game-based Learning
• Game-Based Learning Brings the History of Civilization to Life
• Amplify. David Hunter, Zombie-Based Learning.

Twitter

• @GBLedu
  
• #GBLchat
  
• #LeveledUp

Facebook

• The Multiplayer Classroom: Designing Coursework as a Game Page

Books

• Quests: Design, Theory, and History in Games and Narratives
• The Multiplayer Classroom: Designing Coursework as a Game
• The Gamification of Learning and Instruction Fieldbook: Ideas into Practice
• Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World
• Digital Game-Based Learning