An Investigation into Game Based Learning Using High Level Programming Languages

Game-related education within mobile learning spheres is a matter of great debate for university students across the globe. It is the case that programming languages often pose a sizeable challenge for university students. This research paper aims to develop a game based learning platform “iPlayCode”, designed to offer a new and exciting method of learning programming language. Xcode 5.0.2 was used to develop the game by using the cocos2d-x development tool and the Adobe Photoshop graphic design tool. In addition, iOS 7.0.3 (11B508) Simulator was used to test the application and the application was deployed in different models of mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad. The application outcomes are presented by a mobile game that teaches programming languages in an easy, attractive and effective way

Game-Based Learning, Gamification in Education and Serious Games

The aim of this book is to present and discuss new advances in serious games to show how they could enhance the effectiveness and outreach of education, advertising, social awareness, health, policies, etc. We present their use in structured learning activities, not only with a focus on game-based learning, but also on the use of game elements and game design techniques to gamify the learning process. The published contributions really demonstrate the wide scope of application of game-based approaches in terms of purpose, target groups, technologies and domains and one aspect they have in common is that they provide evidence of how effective serious games, game-based learning and gamification can be

Interactive learning of factual contents using a game-like quiz

Abstract: Computer games are widely recognised for the attention they get from their players. Beyond mere games are serious games — games created to teach specific subjects or concepts. Arguably, two of the most addictive mechanisms in serious games are: the scoring design – the design of who gets what and how, and the game interface (or graphics). These mechanisms have been proven to increase the interest of gamers in such games, balancing their learning experience with the fun. Quiz systems on the other hand, are mere educational tools with little or no interesting devices. In this paper, we have proposed a new classification for some mid-point between serious games and quiz systems; suggesting an “equilibrium” by adding some fun and keeping the educational content in quiz systems. We have also reported the development of a new quiz system designed using the proposed category called Abeced. Abeced is designed with game-like interactive feedback mechanisms for testing students on factual contents across different subjects. Abeced, mimicking most serious games, is designed with an interesting interface and a voice feedback to enhance students’ learning experience. We have shown that users found Abeced more interesting because of its embedded game-like features

Serious gama for integration in higher education

Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Informática e Computação. Universidade do Porto. Faculdade de Engenharia. 201

Exploring gamification approach in hazard identification training for Malaysian construction industry

In recent years gaming products have increasingly been used to enhance learning and training development in academic and commercial sectors. Games have become more pervasive; they have been adopted for use in many industries and sectors such as defense, medicine, architecture, education, and city planning and government as tools for workers development. In Malaysia, it has been reported that the construction industry holds the third highest record of occurrences of accidents at work. Therefore, safety training is inevitable to reduce the alarming rate of accidents on construction sites. However, currently, available safety training approaches are still lacking in terms of delivering hands-on training and are more theoretical- instead of being more practical-based. This is due to the nature of the construction environment itself in which safety training involving certain hazards that cannot be implemented hands-on as it may bring harm to trainers, trainees and the environment. Gaming is an approach that applies technology to provide an almost real experience with interactive field training, and also supporting the theory of learning by doing with real case scenario. The purpose of this paper is to seek and explore the differences in existing gamification genres such as simulation game, role-playing, action game, strategy game and etc. Data were collected through available literature. The findings of the study show that serious game is a suitable genre to be adopted as an approach in hazard identification training for the construction industry in Malaysia

A Phenomenological Examination of Virtual Game Developers\u27 Experiences Using Jacob\u27s Ladder Pre-Production Design Tactic

Edutainment refers to curriculum and instruction designed with a clear educational purpose, including multi-faceted virtual learning game design. Tools such as the Jacob\u27s Ladder pre-production design tactic have been developed to ensure that voices of both engineers and educators are heard. However, it is unclear how development team members experience and perceive their collaborative work while designing a virtual game using such tactics. This phenomenological study examined the experiences of agile software team members using Jacob\u27s Ladder pre-production design as an interdisciplinary collaboration tool while designing a virtual learning game. Seven design team members (3 educators and 4 engineers) participated in semi-structured interviews and transcripts were analyzed via an inductive coding process that led to the development of key themes. Findings indicated that using Jacob\u27s Ladder design tactic influenced the experience of the team by keeping the team focused on common goals and learner needs, organizing the team work, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting shared understandings of the software platform limitations. Individuals played various roles, appreciated diverse views, recognized prior experience and idea sharing, and felt the design tactic supported flexibility for interdisciplinary collaboration. By linking integration strategies to interdisciplinary collaboration, findings from this study may be used by organizational leaders to consider best practices in team building for virtual learning game design, which will further support the development of effective games and growth of the edutainment industry

Gamification in Hybrid Teacher Professional Development

The paper investigates the concept of hybrid teacher professional development for in-service teachers in the light of the emerging concept of gamification. This study makes a case for future researchers to explore the effect of gamification on teacher engagement in teacher professional development programs. The existing literature indicates that gamification leads to better employee engagement. Therefore, the paper argues that it will also lead to better teacher engagement in training programs. A gamified hybrid training program for in-service teachers has been developed. Various game elements like points, badges, and profile customization have been proposed to induce game dynamics in gamification implementations. The paper analyses how gamification leads to better engagement by exploring the linkages with various psychological theories