Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Games: Purpose and Potential in Education pp 73–125Cite as

Video Game Pedagogy

Good Games = Good Pedagogy

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

We have always appropriated whatever technologies are available to us for use as technologies for instruction. This practice may well date back as far as human communication itself. The practice of “studying the masters” is also an old and respected one, and using this perspective we can take advantage of the opportunities afforded us in studying outstanding examples of commercial digital games as “educational” objects, even if they weren’t produced by professional educators. By examining successful games through this lens we can progress towards an understanding of the essential elements of ‘good’ games and begin to discuss the implications this holds for the deliberate design of educational games. There is, however, a caveat: knowing why a game is good is not the same as knowing how to make a game good. It is nonetheless an essential step in that process.

This chapter examines some ways in which a few “good” games implement some well-known learning and instructional theories. “Good” games in this context are defined as those that have experienced both substantial commercial success and broad critical acc1aim: the deliberate implementation of one or another learning or instructional design theory is not a prerequisite. In fact most will not have been consciously influenced by formal educational theory at all.

The implications of this study include the notion that learning and instructional design are compatible with good game design and vice versa. Finally, this chapter will present some key distinctions between digital games and other learning technologies and what this might mean for the development of design models and methodologies.

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

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
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

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Ausubel, D. P., Hanesian, H., & Novak, J. D. (1978). Educational psychology: a cognitive view (2d ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker, K. (2005). How Are Games Educational? Learning Theories Embodied in Games. Paper presented at the DiGRA 2005 2nd International Conference, “Changing Views: Worlds in Play”, Vancouver, B.C., June 16-20, 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker, K. (2006a). Classifying Learning Objectives in Commercial Video Games: Proof of Concept. Paper presented at the Canadian Games Studies Association Symposium, York, University, Toronto, Ontario, Sept 21–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker, K. (2006b). Pedagogy in Commercial Video Games. In D. Gibson, C. Aldrich & M. Prensky (Eds.), Games and Simulations in Online Learning: Research and Development Frameworks: Idea Group Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloom, B. S. (1964). Taxonomy of educational objectives; the classification of educational goals, by a committee of college and university examiners. New York: D. McKay.

    Google Scholar 

  • A Force More Powerful: The Game of Nonviolent Strategy BreakAway Games Ltd. (Designer) [Game] BreakAway Games Ltd. (Developer) (2006) [Windows] Published by International Center on Nonviolent Conflict & York Zimmerman Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruner, J. S. (1966). Toward a theory of instruction. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Capcom Co. Ltd. (Designer) [Game] Capcom Co. Ltd. (Developer) (2005) [Nintendo DS] Published by Capcom Co. Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carolipio, R. (2006, 6/22/2006 12:00 AM). Playing with purpose: Video games are tackling serious issues like never before. San Bernardino County Sun

    Google Scholar 

  • Math BlasterI Davidson, J. (Designer) [Game] Knowledge Adventure Inc. (Developer) (1986) [PC Game] [PC] Published by Knowledge Adventure, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dobson, J. (2006). Survey: ‘Word Of Mouth’ Most Important For Game Buyers [Electronic Version]. Gamasutra, 2006. Retrieved Nov. 14 2006 from http://www.mi6conference.com/Magid_MI6.pdf.

  • Dobson, M., Ha, D., Mulligan, D., & Ciavarro, C. (2005). From real-world data to game world experience: Social analysis methods for developing plausible & engaging learning games. Paper presented at the DiGRA 2005 2nd International Conference, “Changing Views: Worlds in Play”, Vancouver, B.C., June 16-20, 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dormann, C., & Biddle, R. (2006). Humour in game-based learning. Learning, Media & Technology, Special Issue: Digital Games and Learning, 31(4), 411–424.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duffy, T. M., Lowyck, J., & Jonassen, D. H. (1993). Designing environments for constructive learning. Berlin; New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Eagleson, A. (2006). Animal Crossing Wild World Game Walkthrough [Electronic Version]. Retrieved December 12, 2006 from http://db.gamefaqs.com/portable/ds/file/animal_crossing_ww_d.txt.

  • Real Lives EducationalSimulations (Designer) [Game] Educational Simulations (Developer) (2002) [Computer Game] [Windows] Published by Educational Simulations.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egenfeldt-Nielsen, S. (2005). Beyond Edutainment: Exploring the Educational Potential of Computer Games. Unpublished PhD, IT University Copenhagen, Copenhagen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, H., Heppell, S., Kirriemuir, J., Krotoski, A., & McFarlane, A. (2006). Unlimited Learning: The role of computer and video games in the learning landscape [Electronic Version]. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2006 from http://www.elspa.eom/assets/files/u/unlimitedlearningtheroleofcomputerandvideogamesint_344.pdf.

  • Federation of American Scientists. (2006, Oct 25 2005). Report on The Summit on Educational Games. Washington, DC: Federation of American Scientists from http://www.fas.org/gamesummit/.

  • Freitas, S. d. (2007, Learning in Immersive Worlds: a review of game based learning. London: Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) from http://www.jisc.ac.uk/media/documents/programmes/elearning_innovation/gaming%20report_v3.3.pdf.

  • Gagne, R. M. (1977). The conditions of learning (3d ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gagne, R. M. (1985). The conditions of learning and theory of instruction (4th ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gagne, R. M., Briggs, L. J., & Wager, W. W. (1992). Principles of instructional design (4th ed.). Fort Worth, Tex.: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadziomerovic, A., & Biddle, R. (2006). Tracking Engagement in a Role Play Game. Paper presented at the Future Play, The International Conference on the Future of Game Design and Technology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, October 10-12 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill, R., & Hughes, D. (2001). Froguts. Retrieved Jan 12, 2006, from http://www.froguts.com/flashcontent/index.html

  • Hopson, J. (2006). We’re Not Listening: An Open Letter to Academic Game Researchers [Electronic Version]. Gamasutra. Retrieved Nov. 10, 2006 from http://gamasutra.com/features/ 20061110/hopson_01 .shtml.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonassen, D. H. Design of Constructivist Learning Environments (CLEs). from http://tiger.coe.missouri.edu/~jonassen/courses/CLE/

  • Jonassen, D. H. (2004). Learning to solve problems: an instructional design guide. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonassen, D. H., & Rohrer-Murphy, L. (1999). Activity theory as a framework for designing constructivist learning environments. Educational Technology Research and Development, 47(1), 61–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Juul, J. (2005). Half-real: video games between real rules and fictional worlds. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kücklich, J. (2005). Precarious Playbour: Modders and the Digital Games Industry. Fibreculture Journal(5).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuutti, K. (1996). Activity theory as a potential framework for human computer interaction research. In B. A. Nardi (Ed.), Context and consciousness: activity theory and human-computer interaction (pp. 17–44). Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lash, C. (2006). West Virginia schools use dance video game in gym class [Electronic Version]. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved Nov. 26 2006 from http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06155/695356-298.stm.

  • Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge [England]; New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Leont’ev, A. N. (1978). Activity, consciousness, and personality. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luriëiia, A. R. (1976). Cognitive development, its cultural and social foundations. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Merrill, M. D. (1999). Component Display Theory. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional- design theories and models (Vol. 1, pp. 279-333). Hillsdale, N.J.: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Merrill, M. D. (2002). First Principles of Instruction. Educational technology research and development : ETR & D, 50 Part 3, 43–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Merrill, M. D., Li, Z., & Jones, M. K. (1991a). Instructional transaction theory: an introduction. Educational Technology, 31(6), 7–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Merrill, M. D., Li, Z., & Jones, M. K. (1991b). Second generation instructional design. Educational Technology, 30(2), 7–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minton, J. (2006, Jun 3, 2006). Video games seized from teen’s home. 2theAdvocate.com. Retrieved Jun 15 2006, from http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/police/2924321.html?showAll=y

  • Mitchell, A., & Savill-Smith, C. (2004). The Use of Computer and Video Games for Learning [Electronic Version], 2004 from http://www.lsda.org.uk/files/pdf/1529.pdf.

  • Super Mario Bros. Miyamoto, S. (Designer) [Game] Nintendo (Developer) (1985) [Console Game] [NES] Published by Nintendo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Super Mario Bros. 3 Miyamoto, S. (Designer) [Game] Nintendo Co. Ltd (Developer) (1988) [NES] Published.

    Google Scholar 

  • New Super Mario Bros. Miyamoto, S. (Designer) [Game] Nintendo (Developer) (2006) [Handheld Game] [Nintendo DS] Published by Nintendo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Making History: The Calm and The Storm Muzzy Lane Software (Designer) [Game] Muzzy Lane Software (Developer) (2006) [Computer Game] [Windows] Published by Muzzy Lane Software.

    Google Scholar 

  • Animal Crossing Nintendo (Designer) [Game] Nintendo EAD (Developer) (2001) [GameCube] Published by Nintendo of America Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Animal Crossing Wild World Nintendo (Designer) [Game] Nintendo EAD (Developer) (2005) [Nintendo DS] Published by Nintendo of America Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Big Brain Academy Nintendo Co. Ltd. (Designer) [Game] Nintendo Co. Ltd. (Developer) (2006) [Nintendo DS] Published by Nintendo of America Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, M., & Pelletier, C. (2004). Activity theory and learning from digital games: implications for game design. Paper presented at the Digital Generations: Children, young people and new media, London, July.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pelletier, C., & Oliver, M. (2006). Learning to play in digital games. Learning, Media & Technology, Special Issue: Digital Games and Learning, 31(4), 329–342.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prensky, M. (2001). Digital game-based learning. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reigeluth, C. M., & Stein, F. S. (1983). The Elaboration Theory of Instruction. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional-Design Theories and Models: An Overview of Their Current Status (Vol. 1, pp. 335-381). Hillsdale, N.J.: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reitman, J. (2003, 2003/11/13/). ‘Fat boy’. Rolling Stone, 56–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salen, K., & Zimmerman, E. (2004). Rules of play: game design fundamentals. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sallee, M. R. (2006). New Super Mario Bros. Game Guide. Retrieved Sept 13 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savin-Baden, M. (2000). Problem-based Learning in Higher Education. Buckingham: Open University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scardamalia, M., & Bereiter, C. (1994). Computer Support for Knowledge-building Communities. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 73(3).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schank, R. C., & Cleary, C. (1995). Engines for education. Hillsdale, N.J.: L. Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Global Conflicts: Palestine Serious Games Interactive (Designer) [Game] (2007) [PC] Published by Serious Games Interactive.

    Google Scholar 

  • Squire, K. (2002). Cultural Framing of Computer/Video Games. Game Studies, 2(1).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sulpher, B. P. (2006). New Super Mario Bros. Game Walkthrough [Electronic Version], Version 1.7. Retrieved Feb. 12, 2006 from http://db.gamefaqs.com/portable/ds/file/new_super_mario_bros_d.txt.

  • Vygotsky, L. S., & Cole, M. (1977). Mind in society: the development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Katrin Becker

Authors
  1. Katrin Becker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katrin Becker .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Curriculum & Instruction, Morehead State University, 401K Ginger Hall, 40351, Morehead, KY, USA

    Christopher Thomas Miller

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Becker, K. (2009). Video Game Pedagogy. In: Miller, C. (eds) Games: Purpose and Potential in Education. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09775-6_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation