Playing the game: using digital game-based resources to enhance
student learning in first year
Tracy Douglas (Health Sciences, UTAS)
Why digital games?
Resource which may: • engage students • encourage independent learning • assist connections in units of study
Fundamentals • import MCQ • single player or multiplayer • interactivity possible
Multiplayer game
Game platform developed involving specific assignments to be achieved through correctly
answering MCQ, achieving upgrades and/or challenging other players
“Alien Tissue II” Multiplayer Game
Game platform involves unit specific missions
– answer MCQs – achieve upgrades (mutation resistance, enzyme levels
and immune cells) – challenge other players – students accrue energy points (ATP) for correct
answers; negative scoring occurs for incorrect answers
Multiplayer Game format
Student logs onto game !
Student enters level 1 (cell biology) !
Student successfully completes level 1 assignment " #
Access to level 2 Access to level 3 (anatomy and physiology 1) (microbiology)
! Access to other levels
(currently anatomy and physiology 2)
http://www.biosciencelink.com
Playing Alien Tissue II
I loved the game, it was most exciting and interesting and I learnt something too!
It was good to answer questions and get rewarded, I also liked attacking other students.
Fun and interactive and helped work out what I did and didn't know
It helped link study between different units
The cell biology game was lots of fun, learning at the same time.
More than just regurgitating information Knowledge testing; relaxed way to learn
Students' reasons for not revisi8ng the Game included: $ I couldn't get many ques2ons right so I kept losing points $ I had to know things to be good $ Ge;ng ques2ons wrong!
Impact on Student Learning
• Enhances student learning outcomes
• Student Feedback: – Helps to recall previous knowledge – Students who do not normally play computer games
engage in the learning resource – Student generally enjoy playing single player and
multiplayer games – Ideal revision tool
Student Engagement
It’s a different/motivating way of learning and with the implementation of the 'hint' help - learnt a lot
It's fun, different compared to typical lectures and tutorial. I’m having fun while learning.
Alien Tissue game is fun and it motivates me to study on days when I feel lazy.
“innovative and creative approach to learning, presents complex material in a way which effectively catered for a range of learners.”
How to develop a game
Platform for games provided by Mike Capstick
Cybertrain is a site dedicated to Innova2ons in the Crea2on of Learning Resources. It
provides an easy means of crea2ng engaging Learning resources such as Interac2ve Quiz Games and resources for Distance Educa2on
and Home schooling.
h"p://cybertrain.info/
Playing the Game
Digital Game based Resources are fun, engaging and do not have to be linked formally to assessment
MCQ banks can be easily imported into a game platform
Building multiplayer game interactivity requires $$$
Play the Game
Use a digital game-based platform to enhance student learning
today!
If interested, please contact me: [email protected]