Lecturer: Claire Dormann

Games are fun and engaging. Yet they can also stimulate learning. Educational games are now ubiquitous, and developed in numerous domains from Science and Computational Thinking, to Health and Social Changes.The aim of this course is to teach students how educational games are designed and evaluated, hence for integrating them in classrooms or workplaces. Different types of educational games will be reviewed, looking at core mechanisms used for learning. Subsequently, students will be asked to analyse a game. Students will be introduced to learning theories and principles of educational game design. Then their design process will be examined, from brainstorming to evaluation. Finally, we will look at how to successfully and effectively integrate educational games in classrooms and other contexts. Students will be asked to produce a game-based lesson plan, or develop a basic prototype for game-based learning (e.g., digital or a board game).

CONTENTS

- Learning from games and games for learning

- From educational board games to serious games

- Learning theories and game design principles

- Designing digital educational games

- Evaluating educational games & playful classroom

STUDY MATERIAL

- Slides/ Handouts/ Games

- Additional materials such as suggested literature will be recommended throughout the course