DR. LARYSA NADOLNY
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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

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)

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.

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

Dr. Larysa Nadolny, www.drnadolny.com ● contact 
  • Research Team
  • Game-based Learning
  • News
  • Contact