Skip to main content

Designing Dynamic Support for Game-Based Learning

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Interdisciplinary Design of Game-based Learning Platforms

Part of the book series: Advances in Game-Based Learning ((AGBL))

Abstract

The role of support for game-based learning cannot be overemphasized. It remains inconclusive as to what, when, and how support for learning should be designed and implemented to foster learners’ extended engagement, in-game performance, and game-based disciplinary knowledge learning and transfer. In this chapter, we review prevalent support features in digital games, prior theoretical and empirical research on scaffolding and support in game-based learning, and the support design conjectures deemed effective. We then share our observations of the obstacles that learners experienced in game-based learning processes when using E-Rebuild, describe the corresponding learning support strategies and features, and report the findings from the iterative testing and refinement of these support features. Propositions for future research and the design of support for game-based learning are discussed in relation to the current project findings and prior research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Bos, N. (2001). What do game designers know about scaffolding? Borrowing SimCity design principles for education. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan and CILT, PlaySpace Project, Retrieved from http://concepts.concord.org/projects/PlaySpace/application/pdf/Learning%20from%20SIMCITY.pdf.

  • Barzilai, S., & Blau, I. (2014). Scaffolding game-based learning: Impact on learning achievements, perceived learning, and game experiences. Computers & Education, 70, 65–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C. H., & Law, V. (2016). Scaffolding individual and collaborative game-based learning in learning performance and intrinsic motivation. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, 1201–1212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, J. (2007). Flow in games (and everything else). Communications of the ACM, 50(4), 31–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, Z., Ke, F., & Pan, Y. (presented 2017, July). How can we help? Examining learning behavior patterns in a math game. Presentation at 2017 Digital Games Research Association Conference, Digital Games Research Association, Melbourne: Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho, S. H., & Huang, C. H. (2009). Exploring success factors of video game communities in hierarchical linear modeling: The perspectives of members and leaders. Computers in Human Behavior, 25(3), 761–769.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, C. I., & Mayer, R. E. (2010). Applying the self-explanation principle to multimedia learning in a computer-based game-like environment. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(6), 1246–1252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kao, G. Y. M., Chiang, C. H., & Sun, C. T. (2017). Customizing scaffolds for game-based learning in physics: Impacts on knowledge acquisition and game design creativity. Computers & Education, 113, 294–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ke, F. (2016). Designing and integrating purposeful learning in game play: A systematic review. Educational Technology, Research and Development, 64(2), 219–244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ke, F., Shute, V., Clark, K., Erlebacher, G., Smith, D., Fazian, P., Lee, S., & Xu, X. (2017, April). Math learning through game-based architectural design and building. Paper presented at 2017 American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S., & Ke, F. (presented 2016, April). The effects of representation format in problem representation on qualitative understanding and quantitative proficiency in a learning game context. Presentation at American Educational Research Association 2016 Annual Convention, American Educational Research Association, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S. (2016). The effects of representation format in problem representation on qualitative understanding and quantitative proficiency in a learning game context. (Doctoral dissertation, The Florida State University).

    Google Scholar 

  • Leemkuil, H., & de Jong, T. (2011). Instructional support in games. In S. Tobias & J. D. Fletcher (Eds.), Computer games and instruction (pp. 353–369). Charlotte, NC, US: IAP Information Age Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, R. E., & Johnson, C. I. (2010). Adding instructional features that promote learning in a game-like environment. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 42(3), 241–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Neil, H. F., Chung, G. K., Kerr, D., Vendlinski, T. P., Buschang, R. E., & Mayer, R. E. (2014). Adding self-explanation prompts to an educational computer game. Computers in Human Behavior, 30, 23–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pea, R. D. (2004). The social and technological dimensions of scaffolding and related theoretical concepts for learning, education, and human activity. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13(3), 423–451.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quintana, C., Reiser, B. J., Davis, E. A., Krajcik, J., Fretz, E., Duncan, R. G., et al. (2004). A scaffolding design framework for software to support science inquiry. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13(3), 337–386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reiser, B. J. (2004). Scaffolding complex learning: The mechanisms of structuring and problematizing student work. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13(3), 273–304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soloway, E., Guzdial, M., & Hay, K. E. (1994). Learner-centered design: The challenge for HCI in the 21st century. Interactions, 1(2), 36–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinkuehler, C. A. (2006). Why game (culture) studies now? Games and Culture, 1(1), 97–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, C. T., Wang, D. Y., & Chan, H. L. (2011). How digital scaffolds in games direct problem-solving behaviors. Computers & Education, 57(3), 2118–2125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tsai, F. H., Kinzer, C., Hung, K. H., Chen, C. L. A., & Hsu, I. Y. (2013). The importance and use of targeted content knowledge with scaffolding aid in educational simulation games. Interactive Learning Environments, 21(2), 116–128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, D., Bruner, J. S., & Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(2), 89–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wouters, P., & Van Oostendorp, H. (2013). A meta-analytic review of the role of instructional support in game-based learning. Computers & Education, 60(1), 412–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yelland, N., & Masters, J. (2007). Rethinking scaffolding in the information age. Computers & Education, 48(3), 362–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Ke, F., Shute, V., Clark, K.M., Erlebacher, G. (2019). Designing Dynamic Support for Game-Based Learning. In: Interdisciplinary Design of Game-based Learning Platforms. Advances in Game-Based Learning. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04339-1_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04339-1_6

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-04338-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-04339-1

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics