Educational games are usually decision-making activities that include rules, a goal, conditions or constraints, competition, challenge, strategies, and feedback. Games can be as simple as answering questions to win Tic-Tac-Toe or filling in crossword answers to more complex games that require interactions with other learners.
Educational games:
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should encourage the development of specific skills
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The skills can be in specific subject areas such as science and math or general skills like literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
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Success should be based on whether the specific learning outcomes have been met, rather than on good hand-eye coordination.
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can be used to teach many different skills
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The example shown in figure 22.4 illustrates how a game can be used to teach keyboarding skills.
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One difficulty is that games tend to require more explanations of the goals, learning outcomes, and directions than tutorials or drill and practice methods. Without guidance, learning is less effective.
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can be an effective, motivational, and fun way to learn
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To be effective, the game must be challenging, students must be actively involved, and students must be given feedback and guidance with respect to the learning outcomes.
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Research has shown that many learners like to learn through educational games.
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Some educational games are a part of simulations that involve competition and/or cooperation.
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Both males and females can enjoy and learn from games suited to their interests.
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are sometimes a waste of time
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Some products are fancy but do not teach well.
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Evaluate a game before purchasing it to ensure that the game teaches an important skill effectively. Some games may lead to violent and aggressive behaviours.
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Some people erroneously believe that games cannot be effective teaching tools.