Design patterns for learning games. (15th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelle, Sebastian; Klemke, Roland; Specht, Marcus
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology enhanced learning. Volume 3:Number 6(2011)
• Page Start: 555
• Page End: 569
• Publication Date: 2012-02-15
• Subjects: game–based learning -- design patterns -- serious games -- learning functions -- pedagogical patterns -- pedagogy -- learning games -- self–contained games -- digital games -- life–long learning -- teaching -- effective learning -- sensible games -- game design -- learning functions -- design effort -- effort reduction -- game elements -- ground–breaking ideas -- technology enhanced learning; Educational technology -- Periodicals; Education -- Effect of technological innovations on -- Periodicals; Web-based instruction -- Periodicals; Computer-assisted instruction -- Periodicals; 371.3305
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-5255

Abstract

This article concerns the design of self–contained digital games for the life–long learning context. Although the potential of games for teaching and learning is undisputed, two main barriers hamper its wide introduction. First, the design of such games tends to be complex, laborious and costly. Second, the requirements for a sensible game do not necessarily coincide with the requirements for effective learning. To solve this problem, we propose a methodology to the design of learning games by using game design patterns and matching these with corresponding learning functions, which is expected to reduce design effort and help determining the right balance between game elements and learning. First empirical results indicate that such a methodology actually can work.