This document discusses using computer games for learning. It notes that many young people play computer games and they can engage and motivate learners. Games can support different learning styles and build skills in a fun environment. The document describes two specific games-based learning programs: one uses the Neverwinter Nights game engine for literacy and numeracy skills, while Adventure Author allows learners to design and write their own computer games. Positives of games-based learning include engagement, retention, and being learner-centered, while challenges include resources for training and development.

1. and
Adventure Author

2. Games Based Learning
• There is an increasing body of research which
supports the validity of games based learning
• Computer games not only engage with young
people but also promote learning
• 37% of the entire 16-49 population play
computer games
• 78% of 16-19 year olds
• 88% of 12-15 year olds
• 87% of 8-11 year olds (Pratchett 2005)

3. Games Based Learning
• Digital natives
• Motivational – tool of engagement
• Ownership of learning
• Supports all learning styles
• New and fun way of learning
• Suitable for mixed abilities
• Building a portfolio of evidence
• Different learning environment

4. Games Based Learning
Why did we opt to use computer
games?
• Increase in youth referrals
• Negative experience of education
• A new approach to engage

5. Games Based Learning
• West Nottinghamshire College modified
the commercial Neverwinter Nights
game
• A resource designed for the learning of
literacy, numeracy and problem solving
skills
• A series of tasks and puzzles wrapped
up in an enjoyable environment

6. Games Based Learning
• Disappointing Key Skills results
• Curriculum was not FUN
• Embedded learning
• Took an existing game engine and
reworked the content
• Tasks matched exam board portfolio
requirements

7. Games Based Learning
How does it work?
• While playing the game students need
to complete certain tasks and puzzles
• Evidence is recorded within the virtual
learning environment and paper based
resources

8. Games Based Learning
•
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3/4/2005
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12. Games Based Learning
Adventure Author
• Created by Dr Judy Robertson and her
team at Heriot-Watt University
• “For learners who have found playing
computer games to be a useful stimulus
to their literacy, a logical next step
might be to write their own.”

13. Games Based Learning
• Creative approach to designing and
making computer games
• Fantasy role play game
• Uses Neverwinter Nights 2 toolset
• Encompasses a wide range of learning
opportunities
• Deepens understanding of computer
science

14. Games Based Learning
• Design and make your own world

15. Games Based Learning
• Creating the storyline

16. Games Based Learning

17. Games Based Learning
• Writing dialogue can advance reading & writing skills

18. Games Based Learning
"Try not to have a good time ... this is
supposed to be educational." Charles
Schulz
Discussion question
Suggest some positives/negatives of
using computer games in the context of
your work

19. Games Based Learning
Positives
• Engagement with disaffected learners
• High retention rates
• Retains learner centred approach
• SQA Qualifications
• New and exciting method of delivery

20. Games Based Learning
• Team teaching approach
• Training and development
• Partnership working
• Working with local high schools under the Curriculum
for Excellence
• HMIe highlighted it as an example of good practice

21. Games Based Learning

22. Games Based Learning
• Learners comments included:
– “It was pure amazing man!”
– “I really enjoyed the course and the
staff were really helpful”
– “I thought I was stupid but have
learned a lot from it”
– “It’s a fun way to learn!”

23. Games Based Learning
References and Reports
• Neverwinter Nights - West Nottinghamshire College
• Adventure Author - Making Games in Schools, Dr
Judy Robertson, Heriot-Watt University
• Learning and Teaching Scotland’s games based
division - Consolarium
• Gamers in the UK: Digital play, digital lifestyles (BBC)
Pratchett, R (2005)
• Learning in Immersive Worlds, JISC, Sara de Freitas,
2006
• Computer Games, Schools and young people,
futurelab, Ben Williamson, 2009
• Gaming for reading - A feasibility study on the use of
video games to engage adults with low literacy in
reading for pleasure, June 2010

24. Games Based Learning
• Stephanie O’Donnell
• Stephanie.odonnell-cs@fife.gov.uk
• Helen Guthrie
• Helenr.guthrie@fife.gov.uk