There is much research to defend the fact that
learning takes place in environments that are engaging. The research I reviewed
this week took the concept further with the creation of the game engagement
theory. The authors took components of adult learning theories as well as results
from a research study that gauged perceptions and motivations to play games in
order to defend the use of gaming as a mode of learner engagement at the higher
education level. The theory is an important, revolutionary one as it has the
potential to greatly impact the distance education learning environments as it
currently stands.
In just the past few years there has been an
increase in gaming with the emergence of mobile devices, tablets, and the apps
associated with them. Applications like Words with Friends, Duolingo, and
Ruzzle have been some of the top grossing apps on iTunes and continue to teach
individuals of various ages outside of educational settings. If this approach
were to be utilized in the educational setting, the results could be incredible
as games are motivating and engaging allowing for content to be soaked in
without bore, monotony, or even an awareness of academic forces. The theory has
certainly opening my eyes to the possibility of bringing “fun” into the
classroom and I look forward to implementing games into the courses I design
and research the effects they have on the students.
Reference
Whitton,
N. (2011). Game engagement theory and adult learning. Simulation
Gaming, 42(5), 596-609. 10.1177/1046878110378587
I have to agree with you that when students become engaged in what they are studying learning take place. Working with higher education students I find the more involved they become in a topic the more they will retain. Some of the classes I teach are hands on which means students seem to learn more during that session.
ReplyDeleteAbe
I am intrigued by the game engagement theory because of the high levels of student interest that seem to come with it today. Though educational games have been around for a while, I worry about the possibility that using gaming in the classroom will eventually become “boring” if used too often or for a prolonged period of time. Nevertheless, I still remember the enjoyment I had of playing Math Blasters on the hard disks when I was younger and who can forget the Oregon Trail. Have you used any educational games in your classroom?
ReplyDelete-Corinne