Step out of the ordinary way of thinking about education, which breaks the learning experience into three parts: instruction, practice, and assessment. Games allow these three processes to take place all at once–instruction and assessment simultaneously happening through practice reimagined as play. The promise of game-based learning is not only about increased engagement and intrinsic motivation, but also about changing the way we think about assessment so that it is no longer in a category by itself.
Behind the shiny graphics and mechanics, many games feature complex assessment algorithms that collect and analyze data. Sometimes that data is simply there to view. Other times, the software is collecting data about the learner and adapting accordingly. This workshop will show you how to apply the power of game messaging and thematic development, including: