ERIC Number: EJ765090
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Nov
Pages: 18
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1315
Successful Implementation of User-Centered Game Based Learning in Higher Education: An Example from Civil Engineering
Ebner, Martin; Holzinger, Andreas
Computers & Education, v49 n3 p873-890 Nov 2007
Goal: The use of an online game for learning in higher education aims to make complex theoretical knowledge more approachable. Permanent repetition will lead to a more in-depth learning. Objective: To gain insight into whether and to what extent, online games have the potential to contribute to student learning in higher education. Experimental setting: The online game was used for the first time during a lecture on Structural Concrete at Master's level, involving 121 seventh semester students. Methods: Pre-test/post-test experimental control group design with questionnaires and an independent online evaluation. Results: The minimum learning result of playing the game was equal to that achieved with traditional methods. A factor called ''joy'' was introduced, according to [Nielsen, J. (2002): "User empowerment and the fun factor." In "Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox," July 7, 2002. Available from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20020707.html.], which was amazingly "high." Conclusion: The experimental findings support the efficacy of game playing. Students enjoyed this kind of e-learning.
Descriptors: Higher Education, Teaching Methods, Control Groups, Civil Engineering, Internet, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Games, Pretests Posttests, Questionnaires, Computer Assisted Instruction, Educational Technology, Computer Software Evaluation, Graduate Students, Engineering Education, Science Education, Instructional Materials
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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