Toward a framework for the analysis and design of educational games

Vincent Aleven*, Eben Myers, Matthew Easterday, Amy Ogan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

93 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe and illustrate the beginnings of a general framework for the design and analysis of educational games. Our students have used it to analyze existing educational games and to create prototype educational games. The framework is built on existing components: a method for precisely specifying educational objectives, a framework for relating a game's mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics, and principles for instructional design grounded in empirical research in the learning sciences. The power of the framework comes from the components themselves, as well as from considering these components in concert and making connections between them. The framework coordinates the many levels at which an educational game must succeed in order to be effective. We illustrate the framework by using it to analyze Zombie Division and to generate some redesign ideas for this game.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDIGITEL 2010 - The 3rd IEEE International Conference on Digital Game and Intelligent Toy Enhanced Learning
Pages69-76
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event3rd IEEE International Conference on Digital Game and Intelligent Toy Enhanced Learning, DIGITEL 2010 - Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Province of China
Duration: Apr 12 2010Apr 16 2010

Publication series

NameDIGITEL 2010 - The 3rd IEEE International Conference on Digital Game and Intelligent Toy Enhanced Learning

Other

Other3rd IEEE International Conference on Digital Game and Intelligent Toy Enhanced Learning, DIGITEL 2010
Country/TerritoryTaiwan, Province of China
CityKaohsiung
Period4/12/104/16/10

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Software

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