The document summarizes the xGames project which aimed to develop easily configurable game templates to encourage vocational learners' engagement with theory elements. The objectives were to design pedagogically-sound game templates, document a case study, and produce support resources. Evaluation found over 90% of learners agreed the games increased knowledge and were engaging, while over 80% of lecturers found them easy to use and that learners collaborated. The games and support materials can be accessed online or by contacting the authors.
2. Background
• JISC SwaNI FE funded project - 1 year project
• Addressing the issues of:
– using ICT for knowledge transfer as opposed
to learner engagement
– Insufficiently wide range of ICT-based
teaching approaches
– Lack of interest in theory subjects
– Visual activists who prefer practical subjects
– Barriers of cost
– Complexity and lack of resources
3. Objectives
• Develop easily configured and used games templates
to encourage vocational learners to engage with group
work and theory elements of the curriculum.
• Apply pedagogical principles to the design of the game
templates.
• Document an exemplar case study to demonstrate the
benefits of using the games templates
• Produce pedagogical and operational support
resources to assist in the adoption and use of the
games templates.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of games
4. Outputs
• Game templates
• Bank of example questions
• Instruction Manuals
• Case study
5. Evaluation Data - Learners
Evaluation data is positive with over 90% of
learners either agreeing or mostly agreeing with
the following statements:
• Increased my knowledge of the subject area
• Easy to play
• Interfaces were visually appealing
• Scoring system appropriate
• Engaging and interactive
• The game was challenging
6. Evaluation Data - Lecturers
Over 80% of lecturers either agreed or mostly
agreed with the following statements:
• Question editor was easy to complete
• Simple to set up
• Easy to manage settings
• Training and support were not necessary
• Interfaces are visually appealing
• Engaging and interactive
• Learners collaborated
• Challenged the learners
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11. Where can I get the games?
http://students.reidkerr.ac.uk/xgames/
jarchibald@reidkerr.ac.uk
drenton@reidkerr.ac.uk
Twitter: @drenton72