Educational game

{{Main|Educational video game|Video games in education}}

{{Main listing|List of educational video games}}

With the increase and availability of technological devices, there has been a shift in what types of games people play. Video or electronic gaming has become more widely used than traditional board games. Barab (2009) defines conceptual play as "a state of engagement that involves (a) projection into the role of character who, (b) engaged in a partly fictional problem context, (c) must apply conceptual understandings to make sense of, and ultimately, transform the context".p. 991{{full citation needed|date=May 2025}} The goal of such play spaces is to have the "gamer" engage in the narrative while learning cognitive and social skills. The ability to immerse oneself in the gaming process facilitates "empathetic embodiment" which occurs when a player learns to identify with the character they have chosen for the game and the virtual environment of the game (Barab, 2009).{{cite journal|last1=Barab|first1=S. A.|last2=Scott|first2=B.|last3=Siyahhan|first3=S.|last4=Goldstone|first4=R.|last5=Ingram-Goble|first5=A.|last6=Zuiker|first6=S. J.|last7=Warren|first7=S.|title=Transformational Play as a Curricular Scaffold: Using Videogames to Support Science Education|journal=Journal of Science Education and Technology|date=2009|volume=18|issue=4|pages=305–320|doi=10.1007/s10956-009-9171-5|bibcode=2009JSEdT..18..305B |s2cid=16964887 }}

Educational video games have been divided into two major categories. "Edutainment" games are those that are typically based on drilling fundamental lessons in a linear progression, with added entertainment value. "Educational video games" are ones that encourage creative thinking and problem solving.{{cite journal | title = Educational Video Game Design: A Review of the Literature | first = Mary Jo | last = Dondlinger | journal = Journal of Applied Educational Technology | volume =4 | issue =1 | date = 2007 }}

Game-based learning (GBL) is a type of game play that has defined learning outcomes. Generally, game-based learning is designed to balance subject matter with gameplay and the ability of the player to retain, and apply said subject matter to the real world.{{Cite news|url=http://edtechreview.in/dictionary/298-what-is-game-based-learning|title=What is GBL (Game-Based Learning)?|last=Team|first=Editorial|work=EdTechReview|access-date=2017-03-15|language=en-gb}} Children tend to spend hours playing hide and seek, learning the steps of digital games, such as chess, and engaging in creative games. Therefore, it can be said that play and learning are synonymous, leading to cognitive and emotional development inside a social and cultural context. For instance, the game of hide and seek: Good hiders need visual and spatial perspective to define the best hiding places, while seekers must be skilled at searching for cues from the surroundings and choosing the most probable location for the hider among various possible places.{{Cite journal|doi=10.1016/j.compedu.2012.01.012|title= Building virtual cities, inspiring intelligent citizens: Digital games for developing students' problem solving and learning motivation|year= 2012|last1= Yang|first1= Ya-Ting Carolyn|journal= Computers & Education|volume= 59|issue= 2|pages= 365–377}} A systematic review investigated the effects of educational games for mental health students:

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Educational games have historical roots dating back to early civilizations, though their systematic development as teaching tools emerged more recently. As Cheung and Ng (2021) note, educational games gained recognition when "educators identified the unique capacity of structured play to engage learners in ways traditional instruction could not."{{Cite journal |last1=Cheung |first1=Siu Yin |last2=Ng |first2=Kai Yin |date=2021-03-31 |title=Application of the Educational Game to Enhance Student Learning |journal=Frontiers in Education |language=English |volume=6 |doi=10.3389/feduc.2021.623793 |doi-access=free |issn=2504-284X}}

Educational games evolved alongside advances in learning theories and technologies. According to Li et al. (2024), this evolution reflects "the growing understanding that effective learning experiences can be both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating when properly designed."Li, Youling et al. “The impact of digital educational games on student's motivation for learning: The mediating effect of learning engagement and the moderating effect of the digital environment.” PloS one vol. 19,1 e0294350. 11 Jan. 2024, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0294350

According to Richard N. Van Eck, there are three main approaches to creating software that stimulates cognitive growth in the gamer. These three approaches are: building games from scratch created by educators and programmers; integrate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS); and creating games from scratch by the students. The most time- and cost-effective approach to designing these educational games is to incorporate COTS games into the classroom with the understanding of the learning outcomes the instructor has for the course.Van Eck, R. (2006). Digital game-based learning: It’s not just the digital natives who are restless… Educase Review, 41,2, 1-16.

This requires the teacher to buy into the positive results of using digital games for education. It also requires teachers to have adequate self-efficacy concerning the use of these games and their technology. The students usually have high amounts of self-efficacy in usage of digital games, while the lack of confidence teachers have in incorporating the digital games usually results in less effective educational use of the games. However, Gerber and Price (2013) have found that teachers' inexperience with digital games does not preclude them from the desire to incorporate them in class instruction, but districts must have in place support through regular professional development, supportive learning communities with their colleagues, and adequate financial support to implement game-based learning in their class instruction.Gerber, H. R. & Price, D. P. (2013): "[https://www.academia.edu/3113476/Fighting_baddies_and_collecting_bananas_Teachers_perceptions_of_game-based_literacy_learning Fighting baddies and collecting bananas: Teachers' perceptions of game-based learning]", Educational Media International.

Games often have a fantasy element that engages players in a learning activity through narrative or storylines. Educational video games can motivate children and allow them to develop an awareness of consequentiality.[http://inkido.indiana.edu/research/onlinemanu/papers/QA_ETRD.pdf "Making Learning Fun: Quest Atlantis, A Game Without Guns"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930214854/http://inkido.indiana.edu/research/onlinemanu/papers/QA_ETRD.pdf |date=2011-09-30 }} by Barab, Thomas, Dodge, Carteaux, Tuzun Children are allowed to express themselves as individuals while learning and engaging in social issues. Today's games are more social, with most teens playing games with others at least some of the time and can incorporate many aspects of civic and political life.[http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Teens_Games_and_Civics_Report_FINAL.pdf "Teens, Video Games, and Civics"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306023013/http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Teens_Games_and_Civics_Report_FINAL.pdf |date=2009-03-06 }} by Lenhart, Pew Internet Project In classrooms, social game-based learning platforms are increasing in popularity, as they purport to enable students to reinforce knowledge and develop social and leadership skills.

The success of game-based learning (GBL) strategies owes to active participation and interaction being at the center of the experience, and signals that current educational methods are not engaging students enough.{{cite journal|last1=Green|first1=C. S.|last2=Bavelier|first2=D.|title=Learning, Attentional Control, and Action Video Games|journal=Current Biology|date=2012|volume=22|issue=6|pages=R197–R206|doi=10.1016/j.cub.2012.02.012|pmid=22440805|pmc=3461277|bibcode=2012CBio...22.R197G }} Experience with and affinity for games as learning tools is an increasingly universal characteristic among those entering higher education and the workforce.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmc.org/publications/2009-horizon-report |title='2009 Horizon Report' by The New Media Consortium and EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative |publisher=Nmc.org |access-date=2013-05-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928054906/http://www.nmc.org/publications/2009-horizon-report |archive-date=2011-09-28 }} Game-based learning is an expansive category, ranging from simple paper-and-pencil games like word searches all the way up to complex, massively multiplayer online (MMO) and role-playing games.{{cite web|url=http://wp.nmc.org/horizon-k12-2010/chapters/game-based-learning/ |title=2010 Horizon Report: The K12 Edition |publisher=Wp.nmc.org |date=2010-03-31 |access-date=2013-05-02}} The use of collaborative game-based role-play for learning provides an opportunity

for learners to apply acquired knowledge and to experiment and get feedback in the form of consequences or rewards, thus getting the experiences in the "safe virtual world".[http://archive.teachfind.com/becta/emergingtechnologies.becta.org.uk/upload-dir/downloads/page_documents/research/emerging_technologies/game_based_learning.pdf "Game-based Learning or Game-based Teaching?"] by Paul Pivec

The built-in learning process of games is what makes a game enjoyable. The progress a player makes in a game is through learning. It is the process of the human mind grasping and coming to understand a new system. The progress of understanding a new concept through gaming makes an individual feel a sense of reward whether the game is considered entertainment (Call of Duty) or serious (FAA-approved flight simulator). Well-designed games that motivate players are what make them ideal learning environments.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} Real-world challenges are easier faced within a game containing effective, interactive experiences that actively engage people in the learning process. In a successful game-based learning environment, choosing actions, experiencing consequences, and working toward goals allows players to make mistakes through experimentation in a risk-free environment. Games have rules and structure and goals that inspire motivation. Games are interactive and provide outcomes and feedback. Most games also have problem solving situations that spark creativity.{{cite web|author=Shearer, James D. |url=http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1303865257 |title=Development of a Digital Game-based Learning Best Practices Checklist |publisher=Etd.ohiolink.edu |access-date=2013-05-02}}

Identification with the character within the video game is an important factor in the learning potential of the gamer. Some of the electronic games allow the gamer to create an avatar that is designed and “owned” by the gamer. This character is an expression of the human creating the virtual character.{{cite journal|last1=Bainbridge|first1=W. S.|s2cid=1179233|title=The Scientific Research Potential of Virtual Worlds|journal=Science|date=2007|volume=317|issue=5837|pages=472–476|doi=10.1126/science.1146930|pmid=17656715|bibcode=2007Sci...317..472B |url=http://elartu.tntu.edu.ua/handle/lib/32876 |url-access=subscription}} This has opened a new set of scientific possibilities. The virtual world can be used as a laboratory. The relationships and space within the games can simulate complex societies and relationships without having to truly participate. This application of an avatar in not limited to simulation exercises.Kim, B., Park, H., & Baek, Y. (2009). Not just for fun, but serious strategies: Using meta-cognitive strategies in game-based learning. Computers and Education, 52, 800-810. According to Bainbridge, interviews and ethnographic research could be conducted within the reality of the game space. This could include experiments in social psychology and cognitive science. The fact that game creators and gamers are wanting new experiences within the games, the introduction of “experiments” could increase the level of play and engagement.

File:Interactive multimedia educational game.jpg multimedia educational game]]

Traditionally, technology used in school operates usually to solve problems in a fun way, particularly in mathematics. They usually make up case studies designed to introduce students to certain technologies in an effort to prepare them for a future major assignment that requires the aforementioned technology. They have also been developed to work in the virtual world.{{cite journal | doi=10.1111/j.1467-8535.2009.00991.x |year=2011 |last1=Falloon |first1=G |title=Using avatars and virtual environments in learning: what do they offer? |volume=41 |issue=2 |pages=108–122 |journal=British Journal of Educational Technology|s2cid=2792744 }} More recently educational games have been developed for Higher Education students, combining real-world case studies in a virtual environment for students to have a consistent, 24/7 educational 'virtual' experience.{{cite journal | doi=10.1111/gto.12058 |year=2014 |last1=Pringle |first1=JK |title=Educational egaming: the future for geoscience virtual learners? |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=147–150 |journal=Geology Today|bibcode=2014GeolT..30..147P |s2cid=65022032 |url=http://eprints.keele.ac.uk/837/1/pringle_Ed_gaming_GT.pdf }} In some public schools implementing Common Core Standards, game-based learning programs are utilized by educators to supplement their teaching programs. According to a recent case study by an ed tech-based nonprofit organization, teachers find some digital learning games help address issues with alignment in Common Core.{{Cite web|title = Game-Based Learning + Formative Assessment = A Perfect Pair - Classroom Inc.|url = http://www.classroominc.org/case_study/game-based-learning-formative-assessmenta-perfect-pair/|website = Classroom Inc.|access-date = 2015-12-21|language = en-US|archive-date = 2014-10-18|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018131225/http://www.classroominc.org/case_study/game-based-learning-formative-assessmenta-perfect-pair/|url-status = dead}}

In the future, technology and games are expected to be used in simulation environments to simulate real world issues. In the professional sector, such as flight training, simulations are already used in an effort to prepare pilots for training before actually going out into planes. These training sessions are used to replicate real life stresses without the risk factor associated with flying. Simulation-games are used in other professional areas as well; a spy-themed learning game has been used to improve sales skills at Avaya{{cite book|last1=Kapp|first1=Karl|title=The Gamification of Learning and Instruction Fieldbook: Ideas into Practice Paperback|date=November 11, 2013|publisher=Pfeiffer|isbn=978-1118674437|url=http://bobmorris.biz/the-gamification-of-learning-and-instruction-fieldbook-a-book-review-by-bob-morris}} and a 3D simulation game has been used to train New York City emergency responders.{{cite web|last1=Gronstedt|first1=Anders|title=The Five Superpowers of the Learning Age|url=http://www.elearningcouncil.com/the-five-superpowers-of-the-learning-age/|website=E-Learning Council}}

Before deciding how to use game-based learning, the trainer must first determine what they would like the trainees to learn. A trainer that fails to focus training around a central idea runs the risk of using a game that fails to connect with the learners. To prevent this, tailor the material to the demographic (age group, familiarity, educational pre-text) so that the material is neither too difficult for, nor too familiar to the learner.{{cite web|url=http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/games/howtogbl.html |title=How To Teach Using Games |publisher=Serc.carleton.edu |access-date=2013-05-02}} Gathering ideas from children early in the design process has yielded useful insights into what children want in technology in general or in a specific type of application.{{cite journal | title=Exploring Children's Requirements for Game-Based Learning Environments | journal=Advances in Human-Computer Interaction | volume=2008 | pages=1–7 | last1=Nousiainen | first1=Tuula | last2=Kankaanranta | first2=Marja | date=July 24, 2008 | doi=10.1155/2008/284056 | doi-access=free }} Children's early involvement in requirements gathering has revealed clues about gender differences in preferences related to technology, children's navigation skills, ways of presenting textual information, application-specific content-related preferences, the variety of elements to be included in user interfaces and their structures, and children's desire to personalize their applications. Multiplayer role playing games (MMO's) provide opportunities for players to improve such skills as, “complex learning, thinking, and social practices”.Barab, 2009, p. 990 MMO's also provide a social network which can favor collaborative gaming and learning and contribute to the formation of teams, communication within a group and help strengthen individual and communal identities.Klopfer, E, Osterweil, S and Salen, K. Moving Learning Games Forward: Obstacles, oppostunities & openness. The education Arcade. 2009

{{cmn|colwidth=20em|

• Educational toy
• Educational website
• Edutainment
• Games and learning
• Gamification of learning
• Genomics Digital Lab
• Global Challenge Award
• Mouse Practice
• Pora Ora (primary school)
• Quest Atlantis
• Reacting games
• Kahoot}}

{{Reflist}}

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