Serious Games: A Preparation for Future Learning Approach

Speakers: Chuck Kinzer, Gillian Andrews, Jessica Hammer, John Black, Zhou Zhou

Track: SGS: Learning & Instructional Theory

Format: Lecture

Experience Level: All

Description: This lecture describes the "preparation for future learning" approach to education and games, which suggests that games may help prime students for formal classwork in subjects related to the systems and processes represented in the game. After a description of the theory involved, the lecture presents the results of a quantitative research study investigating this hypothesis. It discusses its implications for serious game design, as well as for how to educate educators who are interested in using games. Finally, the presenters suggest a road-map for future research studies on games and learning.

Idea Takeaway: Attendees learn about “preparation for future learning� and how the concept relates to game design and games in education. The lecture presents hard data about the model’s effectiveness, and proposes ways to use it for designing serious games. Attendees gain a new, research-supported tool in their design toolbox.

Intended Audience: Game researchers, serious game designers, and educators can all benefit from this lecture, which shares hard data about how games may work best for learning. No prerequisites are necessary.