Optimizing learning through game design: an essential role in educational games

• Main Author: Chung, Jin Wen
• Other Authors: Cai Yiyu
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Computer science and engineering::Computer applications::Computer-aided engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/167473
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

With the use of educational games in traditional classrooms becoming increasingly common as a tool to aid educators in teaching, this study aims to explore the importance of game design on enhancing learning experiences, as well as the benefits of integrating virtual reality educational games into a flipped classroom model. Specifically, the study focuses on the redevelopment of a hydraulic system game with key considerations such as the gameplay sequences, color and sound usage, understanding cognitive loads, and stage design. The game is then integrated into a traditional classroom setting as a form of assessment, instead of using the traditional pen and paper. Walkthrough video guides are also used during the lesson, as referenced from the flipped classroom model, to help with independent learning. Students’ engagement levels and learning outcomes are then assessed through a survey using the 5-point Likert scale, feedbacks on the game design are received through this survey. The study’s findings suggest that effective game design can help to improve learning outcomes, promote student engagement and collaboration. The study also discusses how designing games linearly can allow for other educators or designers to freely input their assessment methods or other design ideas. In conclusion, game design plays an important role in educational games, and it is worth exploring designing methods that can help to enhance or bring out the effectiveness of serious games. Alongside education 4.0, this pedagogy approach of integrating virtual reality educational games into a flipped classroom model could be a potential path forward for education in the future.