Playing the game: using digital game-based resources to enhance

student learning in first year

Tracy Douglas (Health Sciences, UTAS)

Why games?

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

“Alien Tissue II” Multiplayer Game entry

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

Question

Question with Feedback

Hall of Fame / Interactive / Attack

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

h"p://cybil.tafeitltn.com.au/~at2/bonusgame/consulta8on/consulta8onuni.html  

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: T.Douglas@utas.edu.au