I encountered a delightful podcast from Scott Hanselman on the topic of game based learning. In the podcast, Scott explores the book “The Game Designer’s Workbook” by Bobby Lockhart. They outline some of the guiding principles of positive learning using play. Game based learning attempts to create a context for growth using the tools of playful design. As a kid who played too many video games growing up, I have appreciated exploring this style of learning engagement. When teachers or leaders leverage game based learning, we encourage our team to join a quest or accomplish a set of goals. We work to create a situation where the team receives feedback on their behavior. The learning context is designed with rules and constraints appropriate to learning objectives while making it fun. In theory, game based learning gives learners an opportunity to encounter new concepts and apply those ideas in real time. The application process creates deeper learning.
I greatly appreciated this podcast since it explored some honest reflections of the practice of game based learning. As I reflected upon this podcast with my kids, they observed that they have encountered “educational math games” that were poorly designed. As an industry, we have seen many educational math games that try to create a fun playful context and randomly add quizes in the middle of the experience. In these situations, they shared the experiences felt demotivating and did not encourage a love of math. I greatly admire game based learning experience that can blend the potential for human growth and make the “learning value” delightful and authentic. As an example, many parents and educators leverage the “math world” called Minecraft to provide a context for “learning by building.” Educators have used Minecraft to authentically explore history, learning to code, math, space design, electrical systems and more.
My favorite talking points
Here are some of my favorite talking points from Bobby Lockharts’s view on game design. I have a few friends who will be doing some game hackathons very soon. I thought these “call outs” could be helpful.
- Lockhart stresses that the core game mechanic must be the subject you want to teach. The instructional value target, game play, constraints, and fun can’t feel like “chocolate covered broccoli.”
- I loved that this discussion explored games in general. ( not just video games ) I appreciated the reminder that screens can sometimes become harmful for certain contexts.
- In the paradigm of game based learning, it’s interesting to reflect upon the goal of creating a rich context or environment for learning to happen. Inspired by Seymour Papert, Lockhart discusses creating a context where a subject (like math) is critical for success, much like living in France makes learning French necessary for daily life.
- I appreciate that Mr. Lockhart believes that game design should be considered an art form or expression of humanity. I do work in a simulation and learning context. As I reflect on some of my favorite collaborators, my friends focus upon human concerns. (not engineering concerns) As a team, we try to make learning experiences that offer delight, capture beauty, feel inviting to learners, and help the learner enter a state of flow. The best learning experience often require a narrative or story that captures our longing to explore a nobel quest. The game/simulation industry is rich in art and creativity.
Helpful Game Designer Tips
- Design Around Constraints: High-quality creativity often comes from working within strict limits rather than having “limitless” resources.
- Identifying Your Designer Archetype: Aspiring designers should reflect on whether they have a “puzzle-making brain,” a “story-making brain,” or other specialized leanings. There are different aspects and strengths required for game design.
- Reflective Practice: Using introspection to build neural pathways and better understand one’s own design process.
Unlike traditional textbooks, The Game Designer’s Workbook is designed as an interactive tool that uses the Socratic method and reflective exercises to help designers find their own voice.
Greatly appreciate the podcasts from Scott Hanselman. Thank you Scott for having the heart of a teacher and exploring the human side of tech and it’s influence.