404 Beyond the Hype: Evidence-Based Digital Games
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Thursday, October 26
Games and Gamification
Bermuda A
There has been a lot of hype around games for learning. As a result, games are increasingly used in L&D, but many of these games simply target low-level learning using frames such as Jeopardy or Concentration and have only had minimal impact. There is a need to maximize the value from this approach, and to do this you need to design games that support learning objectives and apply proven instructional methods. And to do this well, you need to understand what the research says about the instructional value of games.
In this session, you’ll investigate what the research shows about using games more strategically and effectively in L&D. You’ll begin by defining the key features of a game, considering game genres, and reviewing evidence on what does and does not work in game design. You’ll then look at the research evidence on three important questions for L&D: Does extensive playing of commercial games improve cognitive skills? How can game outcomes be improved by adding proven instructional methods? And how does learning from a game compare with learning from traditional methods?
In this session, you will learn:
- About the key features that make up a game
- How to manage cognitive load in games
- What the evidence says about the value of commercial games to improve mental skills
- How to improve game outcomes by adding proven instructional methods to your game
- What the evidence shows about the value of games versus traditional methods for learning
Audience:
Novice to advanced designers, developers, managers, directors, and
senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology
discussed in this session:
Games delivered via desktop computers as well as
game-specific platforms.
Ruth Clark
Principal
Clark Training & Consulting
Ruth Clark is an expert in evidence-based eLearning. She has written seven books on how to apply research and instructional psychology to learning environments. Ruth is a former president of the ISPI and was honored with the Thomas Gilbert Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement in 2005. Ruth was a featured Legend Speaker at the 2006 ASTD ICE event and has been a regular presenter at eLearning Guild conferences. A past training manager for Southern California Edison, Ruth holds an EdD degree in educational psychology and instructional technology from the University of Southern California.