Title: Design patterns for learning games

Authors: Sebastian Kelle; Roland Klemke; Marcus Specht

Addresses: Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, Open University of The Netherlands, P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, Valkenburgerweg 177, The Netherlands. ' Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, Open University of The Netherlands, P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, Valkenburgerweg 177, The Netherlands. ' Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, Open University of The Netherlands, P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, Valkenburgerweg 177, The Netherlands

Abstract: This article concerns the design of self-contained digital games for the life-long learning context. Although the potential of games for teaching and learning is undisputed, two main barriers hamper its wide introduction. First, the design of such games tends to be complex, laborious and costly. Second, the requirements for a sensible game do not necessarily coincide with the requirements for effective learning. To solve this problem, we propose a methodology to the design of learning games by using game design patterns and matching these with corresponding learning functions, which is expected to reduce design effort and help determining the right balance between game elements and learning. First empirical results indicate that such a methodology actually can work.

Keywords: game-based learning; design patterns; serious games; learning functions; pedagogical patterns; pedagogy; learning games; self-contained games; digital games; life-long learning; teaching; effective learning; sensible games; game design; learning functions; design effort; effort reduction; game elements; ground-breaking ideas; technology enhanced learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2011.045452

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2011 Vol.3 No.6, pp.555 - 569

Received: 05 May 2011
Accepted: 01 Nov 2011

Published online: 26 Feb 2015 *

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