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Key Takeaways
1. Learning games are powerful tools for engagement and skill development
Games are more effective than lecture-based approaches to learning.
Research supports effectiveness. Multiple meta-analyses have demonstrated that game-based learning outperforms traditional classroom instruction in promoting learning and retention. For example:
- Wouters et al. (2013) found that serious games were more effective than conventional methods, especially when augmented with other instructional methods and multiple training sessions.
- Sitzmann (2011) reported that game-based trainees had 11% higher declarative knowledge, 14% higher procedural knowledge, and 9% higher retention compared to conventional instruction.
Benefits of learning games:
- Provide compelling ways to learn strategy, resource allocation, and innovative thinking
- Help understand alternative points of view
- Offer personalized learning experiences
- Reinforce memory through spacing and repetition of content
2. Effective learning games balance entertainment with educational objectives
Learning games need to be what we call "fun enough."
Focus on engagement, not entertainment. While entertainment games prioritize fun, learning games must strike a balance between engagement and educational value. Key considerations:
- Don't try to teach everything in one game; start small and focused
- Keep rules simple to avoid cognitive overload
- Build in guidance and prompts to support learners
- Ensure winning is contingent on learning, not luck
- Design for both winning and losing states to lead to learning
Integrate into larger learning design:
- Introduce the game and explain learning objectives beforehand
- Follow game play with a debrief to reinforce learning
- Provide context and guidance for maximum effectiveness
3. Game design starts with clear business needs and learning goals
Clarify the problem you need to solve before you start designing anything, and agree on how success can be measured.
Define the business need. Begin by identifying a specific, quantifiable business problem that training can address. Examples:
- Reduce new hire ramp-up time from 12 months to 6 months
- Decrease annual employee turnover from 300% to 250%
- Reduce on-site customer training time from 4 weeks to 5 days
Set clear learning objectives. Develop instructional goals and specific learning objectives that directly support the business need. Use Bloom's Taxonomy to target appropriate cognitive skill levels:
- Knowledge: Know and remember facts
- Comprehension: Understand and explain ideas
- Application: Use knowledge to solve problems
- Analysis: Break down information and make inferences
- Synthesis: Combine information to form new solutions
- Evaluation: Judge information against criteria
4. Core game dynamics and mechanics should support learning objectives
Your choice of what elements to include should be deliberate and made with your instructional goal and objectives in mind.
Select appropriate core dynamics. Choose game dynamics that reinforce real-world contexts and learning needs:
- Race to the finish: For time-constrained tasks
- Territory acquisition: To emulate dominance or business success
- Exploration: For compare/contrast and analysis objectives
- Collection: To help make associations between concepts
- Construct or build: To reinforce creation of real-world outcomes
Design supporting mechanics. Create rules that mirror real-world experiences and reinforce learning:
- Example: In a sales game, relevant questions earn money and increase customer satisfaction, while irrelevant ones decrease ratings and cost money.
- Align mechanics with learning principles like repetition, feedback, and real-world application.
5. Prototyping and playtesting are crucial for refining game design
Your goal with a prototype is to create a quick, easy, and low-cost test of your game design idea.
Create paper prototypes. Even for digital games, start with paper prototypes to:
- Quickly test core dynamics and mechanics
- Identify problems early in the design process
- Force careful consideration of player interactions
Conduct multiple rounds of playtesting. Progress through three main phases:
- Concept test with design team
- Structured testing with representatives of target audience
- Beta testing with actual target learners
Gather feedback systematically:
- Observe player interactions and confusion points
- Use "think aloud" technique to understand player thoughts
- Conduct post-play interviews
- Measure learning with pre/post tests
6. Game development requires careful planning and resource allocation
From the very first design meeting, you need to be thinking forward to your game's eventual development.
Assemble a cross-functional team. Key roles include:
- Project Manager: Oversees timelines and deliverables
- Instructional Designer: Defines learning objectives and content
- Game Designer: Ensures engaging gameplay aligned with learning
- Artist: Creates visual theme and aesthetics
- Programmer: Implements game functionality (for digital games)
- Quality Assurance: Tests gameplay and learning effectiveness
Choose appropriate development tools. Options range from simple to complex:
- Microsoft Office: For basic tabletop games
- E-learning authoring tools: For simple digital games
- Unity or Unreal Engine: For complex 3D games
Consider using Agile methodology. Benefits include:
- Rapid iterations and frequent testing
- Flexibility to adapt design based on feedback
- Focus on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) first
7. Successful implementation depends on logistics and marketing strategies
Don't make the rookie mistake of assuming learners will be so intrigued by the idea of a game that simply getting to play captures their attention.
Plan logistics thoroughly. Address key considerations:
- For tabletop games: Production, storage, shipping, facilitation
- For digital games: System testing, distribution, maintenance, technical support
Develop a strong marketing strategy. Key elements:
- Make game play mandatory if possible, not optional
- Create a multi-channel communication campaign (posters, emails, intranet)
- Use 7-9 touchpoints to reinforce your message
- Provide incentives or recognition for participation and performance
Overcome potential obstacles:
- Address technical issues early (e.g., browser compatibility, IT security)
- Educate stakeholders on the value of game-based learning
- Create buzz through limited initial access or pilot programs
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FAQ
What's "Play to Learn: Everything You Need to Know About Designing Effective Learning Games" about?
- Overview: The book by Sharon Boller is a comprehensive guide on designing effective learning games that engage and educate.
- Structure: It is divided into four parts, covering the basics of game design, making design choices, applying knowledge, and development and implementation.
- Purpose: It aims to bridge the gap between instructional design and game design, providing a systematic approach to creating learning games.
- Audience: The book is intended for instructional designers, educators, and anyone interested in using games as a learning tool.
Why should I read "Play to Learn" by Sharon Boller?
- Practical Guidance: The book offers practical advice and methodologies for designing learning games, making it a valuable resource for educators and designers.
- Research-Based: It includes insights from research on the effectiveness of games in learning, supporting the use of games as a teaching tool.
- Comprehensive Approach: The book covers everything from the basics of game design to advanced implementation strategies, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced designers.
- Real-World Examples: It provides case studies and examples of successful learning games, offering inspiration and concrete ideas for your projects.
What are the key takeaways of "Play to Learn"?
- Game Design Process: The book outlines a nine-step process for designing learning games, from setting learning foundations to deploying the game.
- Instructional Goals: Emphasizes the importance of aligning game design with instructional goals to ensure learning outcomes are met.
- Engagement and Learning: Highlights the need to balance engagement and learning, ensuring games are both fun and educational.
- Iterative Development: Stresses the importance of play-testing and iteration in refining game design and improving learning effectiveness.
How does "Play to Learn" define a learning game?
- Purpose: A learning game is designed to help players develop new knowledge or skills or reinforce existing ones.
- Structure: It includes a game goal and an instructional goal, with the latter taking precedence to ensure learning.
- Elements: Learning games often incorporate elements of fantasy and abstraction to teach concepts in an engaging way.
- Distinction: The book differentiates learning games from simulations and gamification, focusing on their unique educational purpose.
What is the nine-step process for designing learning games in "Play to Learn"?
- Step-by-Step Guide: The process includes playing games, setting learning foundations, linking learning with game design, and more.
- Iterative Approach: Emphasizes the importance of iteration, with multiple rounds of play-testing to refine the game.
- Integration: Encourages integrating games into a larger instructional design to maximize learning outcomes.
- Practical Application: Each step is accompanied by practical activities and examples to help readers apply the concepts.
How does "Play to Learn" suggest linking instructional goals with game design?
- Alignment: The book stresses the importance of aligning game goals with instructional goals to ensure the game supports learning objectives.
- Core Dynamics: It suggests choosing core dynamics that resonate with real-world applications and learning needs.
- Game Mechanics: Recommends designing game mechanics that reinforce learning objectives and do not detract from them.
- Feedback and Scoring: Advises using feedback and scoring systems that reflect learning progress and reinforce desired behaviors.
What are some examples of core dynamics in learning games according to "Play to Learn"?
- Race to the Finish: Suitable for learning objectives with time constraints, encouraging quick decision-making.
- Territory Acquisition: Useful for scenarios involving dominance or resource management, mirroring real-world challenges.
- Exploration: Encourages discovery and analysis, often paired with other dynamics like collection or problem-solving.
- Construct or Build: Reinforces the idea of creating something, aligning with objectives that involve synthesis or application.
How does "Play to Learn" recommend handling scoring in learning games?
- Simplicity: Keep scoring simple and transparent to avoid confusion and maintain focus on learning.
- Learning Outcomes: Tie scoring directly to learning outcomes, ensuring that success in the game reflects mastery of content.
- Variability: Introduce variability in scoring to maintain engagement and provide meaningful feedback.
- De-emphasize Winning: Focus on learning rather than winning, ensuring that all players benefit from the game experience.
What role do player personas play in game design according to "Play to Learn"?
- Understanding Audience: Player personas help designers understand the target audience's goals, motivations, and challenges.
- Customization: They allow for the customization of game elements to better suit the needs and preferences of the players.
- Realism: Personas are based on real data but fictionalized to create a relatable and realistic player profile.
- Design Decisions: They inform design decisions, ensuring that the game resonates with and engages the intended audience.
How does "Play to Learn" suggest using themes and stories in learning games?
- Engagement: Themes and stories can enhance engagement by providing context and making the game more relatable.
- Narrative Structure: A strong story includes characters, plot, tension, and resolution, which can drive game play and learning.
- Integration: Stories can be woven throughout the game or used as a backdrop to support the learning objectives.
- Fantasy Elements: Incorporating fantasy can make learning more enjoyable and help players take risks in a safe environment.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in learning game design according to "Play to Learn"?
- Over-Complexity: Avoid making rules and scoring systems too complex, which can detract from learning.
- Misalignment: Ensure that game elements align with instructional goals and do not overshadow the learning objectives.
- Neglecting Play-Testing: Failing to conduct thorough play-testing can result in a game that is not engaging or effective.
- Ignoring Feedback: Be open to feedback and willing to iterate on the design to improve the game and learning outcomes.
What are the best quotes from "Play to Learn" and what do they mean?
- "Mind-blowing learning games": This quote highlights the potential of learning games to create immersive and impactful learning experiences.
- "Less is better": Emphasizes the importance of simplicity in game design, focusing on key learning objectives rather than overwhelming players with content.
- "Winning must be contingent on learning": Stresses that success in a learning game should reflect mastery of the content, not just chance or game mechanics.
- "Play-testing is critical": Underlines the importance of testing and iteration in refining game design and ensuring it meets learning goals.
Review Summary
Readers highly praise "Play to Learn" as an excellent guide for creating effective learning games. They appreciate its focus on key aspects for beginners, practical design process, and wealth of information. The book is seen as a valuable resource for instructional designers, offering insights on incorporating gaming elements into training. Reviewers highlight its step-by-step approach, from idea conception to deployment and evaluation. Many find it helpful in bringing fun and engagement to corporate training, making it relevant for today's learners who prefer game-based learning.
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About the Author
Other books by Sharon Boller
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