Research utilization is considered a basic learning outcome of many post-secondary institutions and preferable for graduates. An undergraduate course focusing on research utilization,was transformed from a traditional lecture into a engaging online game based learning course. Pedagogical foundation for the course is mastery based learning. At the end of this interactive workshop attendees will be able to: 1. Summarize the benefits and challenges of game-based learning online; 2. Describe their experiences in a game based online learning platform; and 3. Propose areas for further research in game based learning and their teaching environment.
The ability to access and effectively utilize research in order to solve problems is considered an outcome of many post-secondary institutions. Gaming can be designed to improve everyday problem solving (McGonigal, 2017). A traditional nursing research course focusing on research utilization was transformed into a engaging game based learning course. Kapp (2012) emphasizes that games create engagement which is the cornerstone to learning. Undergraduate students reflections on the course reveal their commitment to learning and course satisfaction. They were able to master content and exceed course expectations by going beyond the course requirements to achieve excellence. Mastery based learning establishes a level of performance that industry expects from graduates.
At the end of the “Express Workshop” attendees will be able to:
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Summarize the benefits and challenges of game-based learning online
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Describe their experiences in a game based online learning platform
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Propose areas for further research in game based learning and their teaching environment
Workshop Overview
I: Introduction to the gaming experience (5 minutes)
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Participants will reflect on their experiences with games in their childhood and present day.
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Research on the benefits of gamification in learning and challenges will be discussed.
The ability to access and effectively utilize research in order to solve problems is considered an outcome of many post-secondary institutions. Gaming can be designed to improve everyday problem solving (McGonigal, 2017). A traditional nursing research course focusing on research utilization was transformed into a engaging game based learning course. Kapp (2012) emphasizes that games create engagement which is the cornerstone to learning. Undergraduate students reflections on the course reveal their commitment to learning and course satisfaction. They were able to master content and exceed course expectations by going beyond the course requirements to achieve excellence. Mastery based learning establishes a level of performance that industry expects from graduates.
Activity: Partners will rock, paper, scissors to determine who goes first in their think-pair-share. The question that will be discussed is “How do you believe gaming can positively impact teaching and learning?”
II: Why would I gamify a course? (10 minutes)
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Mastery based learning will be briefly discussed and how it fits with game based learning in education at all levels.
Activity: attendees will complete a mini worksheet related to a topic in their course and identify the benefits of having students obtain mastery level on the topic.
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Research findings from 3 cohorts of students related to student perceptions of game based learning will be shared. Ethics approval has been obtained. Students shared photographs and described how the photo related to their online experience. Quantitative data on student perceptions of game based learning from midterm and end of the course will be shared.
Activity: attendees will have time to ask questions about the facilitators experience with game based learning and research opportunities related to game based learning.
III: Experience game based learning (20 minutes)
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A mini game based course for this session will be available so attendees can experience the game lab as a student participant. The quests in this experiential learning will be about game based learning.
Activity: participants will participate in 2-3 quests on the game based lab and be rewarded unique badges.
IV: Summary and Discussion (5-10 minutes)
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Time will be left for discussion and wrap-up.