Instructional games can be used in the classroom to bridge the gap between entertainment, the world of gaming, and the educational world. If used correctly, instructional games can deliver the same content as the teacher, but in a more engaging way. Instructional games can combine educational skills with competition and the receiving of points. When the students have motivation, ie points in the game, they are more likely to try hard so they can beat their peers and move on to the next level.
Benefits and Relative Advantages of Instructional Games
Instructional games can add the competitive element to any classroom. They get students engaged in the content and they can be more interesting than teacher led instruction. Studies have shown that retention rates over time has increased over traditional classroom instruction. The games focus student attention and have appealing formats and activities for the students to engage in.
Limitations of Instructional Games
While there are many benefits to using games in the classroom, we must also look at the limitations. As stated earlier, games can add the competitive element to the classroom. However, if students are not motivated by competition, this may cause those students to be turned off from the activity and not drive them to do well. Another major limitation with using games is that the students may focus more on the fun aspect of the activity and less on the actual learning. Games have a tendency to take away from the motivation of learning and place the focus on winning the game without any stress on the material.
Examples of Games
In the simple machines game linked below, the students have to help a character named Twitch collect different electronic components by building and operating different simple machines. To play the game, click on the picture below. It is well worth checking out!
Benefits and Relative Advantages of Instructional Games
Instructional games can add the competitive element to any classroom. They get students engaged in the content and they can be more interesting than teacher led instruction. Studies have shown that retention rates over time has increased over traditional classroom instruction. The games focus student attention and have appealing formats and activities for the students to engage in.
Limitations of Instructional Games
While there are many benefits to using games in the classroom, we must also look at the limitations. As stated earlier, games can add the competitive element to the classroom. However, if students are not motivated by competition, this may cause those students to be turned off from the activity and not drive them to do well. Another major limitation with using games is that the students may focus more on the fun aspect of the activity and less on the actual learning. Games have a tendency to take away from the motivation of learning and place the focus on winning the game without any stress on the material.
Examples of Games
In the simple machines game linked below, the students have to help a character named Twitch collect different electronic components by building and operating different simple machines. To play the game, click on the picture below. It is well worth checking out!
In the Pangaea Labeling Game linked below, the students have to label the continents based on the name that comes up. If the students correctly label all of the continents, they win a NASA startup screen. While not as fun as the simple machines game, this would be a good simple game to play and have students time themselves. To play the game, click on the picture.
Resources
For more examples of Instructional Games, check out the resources linked below.
Mrs. Nettles Classroom- A resource for science teachers that includes links to different games and tutorials.
Journal of Instructional Research- A link to an article that discusses unexpected learning opportunities using games in the classroom.
Using Games in the Classroom- This link is to Texas Tech's Teaching, Learning, and professional Development Center. The site provides some benefits and tips for incorporating games into instruction.
Edutopia- This site provides an article that discusses using the video game model in the classroom.
For more examples of Instructional Games, check out the resources linked below.
Mrs. Nettles Classroom- A resource for science teachers that includes links to different games and tutorials.
Journal of Instructional Research- A link to an article that discusses unexpected learning opportunities using games in the classroom.
Using Games in the Classroom- This link is to Texas Tech's Teaching, Learning, and professional Development Center. The site provides some benefits and tips for incorporating games into instruction.
Edutopia- This site provides an article that discusses using the video game model in the classroom.