Game Based Learning in Higher Education

Game based leaning involves the use of gaming models to augment learning in the higher education industry. Game based leaning is emerging as an innovative approach in engaging students in challenge based and active learning environments. The gaming models may be individual or group based and may be played online or on ground. The gaming models which support collaboration have deeper influence on learning outcome (Johnson, Adams and Cummins, 2012).   Emerging internet, cloud, browsers and gaming design technologies are driving the success of the game based learning innovation.

 Fig. 1 Embedded learning game 4 extracted from knowledgedirectweb.com knowledgedirectweb.com

Johnson, Adams and Cummins (2012) reported that game based leaning “makes learning experiences more engaging for students, while at the same time improving important skills, such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking”. The adoption of game based leaning is challenged by resistance to change regarding moving from tradition learning methods to using new technologies. There is also the need for providers to satisfy the emerging demands and quality.  The emergence of the game based learning innovation is driven by technological advancements and pressures from the need for engaging, active and collaborative learning methods in the higher education industry. Yet the acceptance of the innovation is limited by resistance to new ways of learning using technology and economical limitations.

The Delphi approach used involved review of current articles, interviews, papers, and new research to identify and rank trends that are currently affecting teaching, learning, and creative inquiry in higher education (Johnson, Adams and Cummins, 2012). The accuracy of the richness of the information could have been improved if a second step involving a quantitative testing of the identified trends using a quasi experimental design to verify if they are indeed pertinent (Okoli & Pawlowski, 2004).

Johnson, L., Adams, S., and Cummins, M. (2012).The NMC Horizon Report: 2012 Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

Okoli, C. & Pawlowski, S. D. (2004).The Delphi method as a research tool: An example, design consideration and application. Information & management42, 15-29