Using student voice in the design of game based learning

Abstract

Game technologies can provide exciting ways to engage and educate students and provide an active learning experience with a goal-directed agency. This research investigates how student voice is integral to the development and trialing of educational computer games in order to effectively target, and add meaning and relevance to learning outcomes. Games can offer a transformational change in pedagogical approaches by being intrinsically motivating, providing immediate feedback and scaffolding skill and knowledge acquisition. The research focused on understanding learner needs by involving students in project based development and examines the rationale behind making a pedagogical shift from unidirectional content delivery to collaboratively designing experience. The study adopted a Design Based Research methodology, within an Activity Theoretical framework.