Games for learning
Using a games for learning approach, educators are able to generate an array of curriculum-linked learning opportunities, assist in the development of key competencies, and create an inclusive learning environment.
These are key findings that come from the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER) Games, gamification, and game design for learning (Games for Learning) report released today.
What happens when four teachers in a senior primary syndicate launch confidently into a term-long inquiry process based around games?
We’re pleased to present this special issue, Learning through Play and Games, at a time when interest in play-based learning and game-based learning is growing in many New Zealand schools. The issue responds to the level of teacher enthusiasm and exploration that is increasingly visible in educational discussions and media commentaries. This special issue aims to contribute a research-informed perspective on pedagogies associated with play and/or games by sharing findings and reflections from research projects and practitioner inquiries across a range of settings and focuses. It does not, and can not, represent a definitive evidence base on the benefits or pitfalls of playing or gaming. Instead it adds to—and hopefully generates—a thoughtful, reflective, data-informed conversation. We believe this is a much-needed contribution in Aotearoa.
We’re pleased to present this special issue, Learning through Play and Games, at a time when interest in play-based learning and game-based learning is growing in many New Zealand schools. The issue responds to the level of teacher enthusiasm and exploration that is increasingly visible in educational discussions and media commentaries. This special issue aims to contribute a research-informed perspective on pedagogies associated with play and/or games by sharing findings and reflections from research projects and practitioner inquiries across a range of settings and focuses.
The Games for Learning project set out to explore game-based learning (GBL) practices in New Zealand classrooms and build a connected community of research and practice. Our research suggests there is a mixture of curiosity, enthusiasm, and uncertainty in the sector about where games “fit” into learning. I outline some of the theoretical perspectives that have helped me to make sense of 3 years of GBL research, and put forward some ideas that I hope will help GBL research and practice in Aotearoa continue to grow.
The Games for Learning project set out to explore game-based learning (GBL) practices in New Zealand classrooms and build a connected community of research and practice. Our research suggests there is a mixture of curiosity, enthusiasm, and uncertainty in the sector about where games “fit” into learning. I outline some of the theoretical perspectives that have helped me to make sense of 3 years of GBL research, and put forward some ideas that I hope will help GBL research and practice in Aotearoa continue to grow.
In today’s post I want to talk about the “playcentric” approach to game design (Fullerton, 2014) and how this approach can help learners get better at seeing beyond their own perspectives and assumptions, and learning to seek - and receive - useful feedback to help improve their work.
In my last post I made a case for why game design is both hard and worth doing in the classroom. I introduced the iterative design process as fundamental to the game development process, and discussed some of the reasons why this process may feel daunting for teachers or first-time game designers.
In case you missed it...
We've put out a call for contributions to a special issue of set: Research information for teachers on the theme of "Playing, gaming, and learning"
Are you keen to write for this special issue?
Extended abstracts of up to 800 words are due by Friday April 20, 2018.
Over the past two summers I've posted some recommendations for things to read, watch, listen to, or play if you're interested in games, gamification, and game design for learning.
In case you missed them, here are my reposted 2018 and 2017 recommendations. If you've got something to recommend, let us know in the comments!
