Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

Improving the Design of a Learning Game Through Intrinsic Integration and Playtesting

  • Published:
Technology, Knowledge and Learning Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Designing and developing games for learning is a difficult endeavor. Educational game designers must not only make an engaging and motivating game, but must also ensure that learning takes place as a result of gameplay. Educational researchers have sought to define design principles in order to lessen the difficulty involved with game design. In spite of these efforts, there is still a paucity of empirical research in support of significant direct learning gains that result from time spent in a game environment. This study investigated the effectiveness of a design and development approach centered on playtesting, with the purpose of ensuring the proper intrinsic integration of multiplication properties, concepts, and strategies within the game’s mechanics.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  • Ainsworth, S., & Loizou, A. T. (2003). The effects of self-explaining when learning with text or diagrams. Cognitive Science, 27, 669–681.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ashcraft, M. H., & Christy, K. S. (1995). The frequency of arithmetic facts in elementary texts: Addition and multiplication in grades 1–6. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 26(5), 396–421.

  • Barab, S. A., et al. (2007). Relating narrative, inquiry, and inscriptions: Supporting consequential play. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 16(1), 59–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becker, K., & Parker, J. (2014). Methods of design: An overview of game design techniques. In K. Schrier (Ed.), Learning, education and games: Volume one: Curricular and design considerations (pp. 179–198). Pittsburgh: ETC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Denham, A. R. (2013). Strategy instruction and maintenance of basic multiplication facts through digital game play. International Journal of Game-Based Learning, 3(2), 36–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Devlin, K. (2011). Mathematics education for a new era: Video games as a medium for learning. CRC Press.

  • Fay, I. (2014). Playtesting and iterative design: The most important process for making great games. In K. Schrier (Ed.), Learning, education and games: Volume one: Curricular and design considerations (pp. 251–263). Pittsburgh: ETC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fullerton, T., Swain, C., & Hoffman, S. (2004). Game design workshop: Designing, prototyping, & playtesting games. San Francisco, CA: CMP Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gee, J. P. (2004). Learning by design: Games as learning machines. Interactive Educational Multimedia, 8, 15–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gee, J. P. (2005). Good video games and good learning. In Phi Kappa Phi Forum (Vol. 85, No. 2, p. 33). THE HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI.

  • Habgood, M. P. J., & Ainsworth, S. E. (2011). Motivating children to learn effectively: Exploring the value of intrinsic integration in educational games. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 20(2), 169–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Habgood, M. P. J., Ainsworth, S. E., & Benford, S. (2005). Endogenous fantasy and learning in digital games. Simulation Gaming, 36(483), 483–498.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Honey, M., & Hilton, M. (2011). Learning science: Computer games, simulations, and education. Washington: National Academies Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kafai, Y. B. (2001). The educational potential of electronic games: From games-to-teach to games-to-learn. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from http://culturalpolicy.uchicago.edu/conf2001/papers/kafai.html

  • Koshmider, J. W., & Ashcraft, M. H. (1991). The development of children’s mental multiplication skills. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 51(1), 53–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemaire, P., Barrett, S. E., Fayol, M., & Abdi, H. (1994). Automatic activation of addition and multiplication facts in elementary school children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 57(2), 224–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, M. C., & Tsai, C. C. (2013). Game-based learning in science education: A review of relevant research. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 22(6), 877–898.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malone, T. W. (1981). Towards a theory of intrinsically motivating instruction. Cognitive Science, 5(4), 333–369.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malone, T. W., & Lepper, M. R. (1987). Making learning fun: A taxonomy of intrinsic motivations for learning. In R. E. Snow & M. J. Farr (Eds.), Aptitude, learning and instruction III: Conative and affective process analyses. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, T., & Schwartz, D. L. (2005). Physically distributed learning: Adapting and reinterpreting physical environments in the development of fraction concepts. Cognitive Science, 29(4), 587–625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, C. S., Lehman, J. F., & Koedinger, K. R. (1999). Goals and learning in microworlds. Cognitive Science, 23(3), 305–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers. (2010). Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Washington, DC: Authors.

  • Nelson, B., Ketelhut, D. J., Clarke, J., Bowman, C., & Dede, C. (2005). Design-based research strategies for developing a scientific inquiry curriculum in a multi-user virtual environment. Educational Technology, 45(1), 21–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papert, S., & Talcott, J. (1997). The children’s machine. Technology Review, 96(5), 29–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prensky, M. (2005). Computer games and learning: Digital game-based learning. In J. Raessens & J. Goldstein (Eds.), Handbook of computer game studies (pp. 97–122). Cambridge: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reiber, L. P. (1996). Seriously considering play: Designing interactive learning environments based on the blending of microworlds, simulations, and games. Educational Technology Research and Development, 44(2), 43–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salen, K., & Zimmerman, E. (2003). Rules of play: Game design fundamentals. Boston: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shadish, W. R., Cook, T. D., & Campbell, D. T. (2002). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaffer, D. W. (2006). How computer games help children learn. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Shute, V. J., & Ke, F. (2012). Games, learning, and assessment. In D. Ifenthaler, D. Eseryel & X. Ge (Eds.), Assessment in game-based learning (pp. 1–8). New York: Springer.

  • Squire, K., & Klopfer, E. (2007). Augmented reality simulations on handheld computers. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 16(3), 371–413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tobias, S., & Fletcher, J. D. (2011). Computer games and instruction. Charlotte, NC: Information Age.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Eck, R. (2006). Digital game-based learning: It’s not just the digital natives who are restless. EDUCAUSE Review, 41(2), 16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, K. K. (1996). Video game effect on computer-based learning design. British Journal of Educational Technology, 27, 230–232.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Alabama, Box 870302, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA

    André R. Denham

Authors
  1. André R. Denham
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to André R. Denham.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Denham, A.R. Improving the Design of a Learning Game Through Intrinsic Integration and Playtesting. Tech Know Learn 21, 175–194 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-016-9280-1

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-016-9280-1

Keywords