See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/257716699

Computer Games: Implementation into Teaching and Learning

Article in Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences · October 2012

DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.308

CITATIONS READS

23 4,032

2 authors:

Ibrahim Ahmad Azizah Jaafar

Technical University of Malaysia Malacca Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
62 PUBLICATIONS 185 CITATIONS 141 PUBLICATIONS 1,402 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Ibrahim Ahmad on 02 May 2018.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 59 (2012) 515 – 519

UKM Teaching and Learning Congress 2011

Computer games: implementation into teaching and learning

Ibrahim Ahmada* and Azizah Jaafarb
a
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia, Malaysia
b
Faculty of Technology and Information Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

Abstract

It is well known that a computer game other than video games is a current trend among the younger generation. Studies have
shown that the use of computer games not only played by children as young as two years even up to adulthood. Integration and
implementation of computer games into the classroom is also seen to help students learn with more fun and effective. The
purpose of this paper is to discuss the principles of learning to be embedded in a computer game-based learning as well as aspects
that can be considered when designing a computer game that will be used as the application of teaching and student learning.
© 2011
© 2011Published
PublishedbybyElsevier
Elsevier Ltd.
Ltd. Selection
Selection and/or
and/or peer peer reviewed
reviewed underunder responsibility
responsibility of theTeaching
of the UKM UKM Teaching
and and Learning
Congress 2011.
Learning Congress 2011
Keywords: Computer games; games-based learning; games design

1. Introduction

Research has proven the effectiveness of information technology through the use of computer games via various
applications and mediums (Syamsul Bahrin & Norshuhada, 2009). The computer game industry is successful in
attracting young users. According to Johannes Fromme (2003), technically, this electronic game has become easier
to start off with for the last two decades. Users need not acquire specific knowledge on the use of consoles such as
Game Boy or other electronic game consoles.
Computer game has become popular among children as free time activity, be it in the form of video, mobile
application or computer. Research by Feierabend and Klingler (2001) in Johannes Fromme (2003) shows that in a
week, users of between 6 to 13 years of age are more prone to doing things using computer games (be it individually
or in groups). Studies have been conducted on the use of computer games in the field of education. Studies on its
effectiveness have been done to ensure that efficient, effective and quality learning takes place (Moser, 2000;
Syamsul Bahrin & Norshuhada, 2009). Computer games also have the potential to create an entertaining learning
environment as games have the potential to motivate students (Bokyeong Kim, Hyungsung Park & Youngkyun
Baek, 2009). Besides, computer games too contain competitive activities which conform to rules, aims, feedback,
interaction and result. Bokyeong Kim et al., (2009), posits that computer game-based learning supports a few
aspects of the learning process as follows:

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +6-06-331-6651; fax: +6-06-331-6500

E-mail address: [email protected]

1877-0428 © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer reviewed under responsibility of the UKM Teaching and Learning Congress 2011
doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.308
516 Ibrahim Ahmad and Azizah Jaafar / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 59 (2012) 515 – 519

x Encourage students to gather ideas from different fields so as to solve or decide on a solution.
x Encourage students deter their learning outcome using the game based on the outcome and action taken.
x Encourage students to interact with other group members and discuss the steps to upgrade learning skills.

The important aspects of the games include: seeking information, choosing suitable and required information,
developing discussion strategy, settling conflicts and problem solving.
According to Fenggeng Ke (2008), educational researchers have recommended computer games as a potential
learning tool. Their findings are based on the following arguments:

x Students can strongly associate themselves with the computer games.

x Computer games encourage active learning (learning by doing).
x There is empirical evidence which proves that games can be an effective tool to improve understanding during
learning.
x Computer games can encourage collaboration between students.

2. Games and Learning

Gariss et al., (2002) introduced a game-based learning model to show how the integration between computer
games and education is implemented. According to Pivec et al., (2003), game-based learning model has been carried
out successfully in formal education e.g. in the military, medicine, physical training etc.
Based on Figure 1, let us see how and when learning takes place in a games-interacted education. According to
Pivec et al., (2003), the main characteristics of an educational game are that the lesson content correlates with the
features of the game. The main characteristic is that the game must motivate the students so that they are eager to
repeat the cycle. During repetition, students are expected to exhibit emotional or cognitive behavioral changes
through interactions shown during the game.

Figure 1. Model Game-Based learning (Garris et al., 2002)

According to Garris et al., (2002), Figure 1 describe a correlation between the game cycle and learning outcome.
The model provides a link between simulation-based activities and the real world as well as associate events in the
game with real-world events. According to Pivec et al., (2003), as well as by Kolb et al., (1971), this model
describes what had been committed, and reflected, understood in the application of the learning process.
Role-Playing Game (RPG) genre illustrates the relationship between game-based learning model and the game
itself. The objective of RPG is to entertain to student and can be classified an educational entertainment where it is
more of the problem-solving approach where each player picks a character that he likes. RPG games are mostly
high-levelled and have many solutions. However, help in the form of equipment, weapons, mini maps etc. are
provided so as to allow players to think and face challenges that they endure. Awarding points and rewards in the
form of medals and certificates provides motivational support for the players.
In developing a computer game application, designers should take into account the features of the game. There
are several opinions on the features of a game, for example Thornton et al., (1990) and Pivec et al., (2003) claim that
 Ibrahim Ahmad and Azizah Jaafar / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 59 (2012) 515 – 519 517

interactivity is an important aspect in a game. Johnston and Felix (1993) on the other hand propose visual dynamic,
rule, objective and interaction as important features. Baranauskas et al., (1999) states that a game should be
challenging and risky. According to Malone (1981), the four elements that must be in a computer game are fantasy,
curiosity, challenges and the ability to control.
Druckman (1995) posits that games are able to raise the motivational level and student's interest in education.
Besides, several studies reveal importance on learning retention. Eight out of eleven researches claim that learning
retention is better in game-based learning, while other three studies show no significant difference. Seven out of
eight studies on students’ learning interest show that students are in favour of games. However, Pivec et al., (2003)
clarifies that the relationship between learning interest and game-based learning is still unclear.

3. Computer Games Design For Learning

According to Roslina and Nazli (2008), the production of computer games requires a distinctive learning
principle. Gee (2006) in Roslina and Nazli (2008)’s states that the production of a good computer game integrates
up to 16 learning principles.

x Introduction: Pupils need to role-play characters to fulfill the given task. This means the player should represent
the their own characters.
x Interaction: Pupils must interact to the optimum so that they can fully experience the learning process.
x Production: Actions carried out by pupils must be in accordance to the storyline that depict the learning process
that will take place.
x Risks taking: Games must encourage pupils to be brave in making decision and prepare them in risks taking.
x Specialization: Games must be of different levels so as to enable pupils of different levels to play according to
their capability
x Agent: Pupils are able to feel the roles that they have chosen and control, in order to be themselve with what
they do.
x Problems prepared in orderly manner: Problems that arise in a game ought to be solved by pupils in an orderly
manner
x Challenges and reinforcement: A good game offers a set of problems and allows pupils to solve them. In
schools, weaker students are often deprived of reinforcement activities while good students face limited
challenges in solving problems
x Suitable time and demands: Gee (2006) believes that textbooks are not very efficient and some people face
problems dealing with them. On the other hand, during games, information is available when needed
x Meaningful situation: Games often provide meaningful situations in terms of action, image and dialogue
x Loosing but entertaining: Loosing in a game is a choice. It is challenging for pupils to overcome it by
improving on the skills to win back the game
x System for thinking: Games should encourage pupils to think of the relationships between facts, happenings and
skills.
x Exploring, lateral thinking and thinking of the objective: Through games, players are encouraged to explore
based on their choices, move at an average pace, think laterally to achieve an objective.
x Smart equipment and spreading of knowledge: Equipment used in the games is considered smart equipment,
e.g. avatar which is smartly programmed for movements and actions.
x Multitask groups: Multiplayer games require players who play different roles to fulfil given tasks. Players
should be competent in the games in order to achieve the goals no matter who the other players are. This will
encourage teamwork as well as problem-solving ability among the team members.
x Pre competent achievements: The games allow players to participate using the smart tools even if they are not
competent in that particular subject matter.

According to Pivec et al., (2003), from the constructivist point of view, students need to be involved actively in
acquiring knowledge, and this knowledge is used in restructuring information, manipulating, recreating, and testing
the knowledge so that it is more meaningful, well-planned and well-remembered. According to Pivec et al., (2003),
518 Ibrahim Ahmad and Azizah Jaafar / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 59 (2012) 515 – 519

the design in constructive methodology differs from task-based methodology in terms of the design of the systematic
teaching approach.
Designers who use constructive methodology create learning environments that are less focused, answering the
question 'how' or implementing the process approach but stressing on elements that facilitate learning.
Designers apply this methodology in the seven pedagogical goals:

x Provide experience through knowledge-building process

x Provide experience to encourage experience add values in various perspectives
x Apply what is taught in realistic and relevant contexts
x Encourage ownership in the learning process
x Apply what is taught in the social contexts
x Encourage the use of various representation styles
x Encourage self-awareness towards the process of gaining experience through working.

With the existence of elements that have been mentioned, educational computer game designers should take into
account the pedagogical and psychological element. Although not all the elements are used in a game, the usage of
these elements as a basis for the creation of the educational games is hoped to create a great impact in today’s
educational field.

4. Conclusion

Computer game, an example of a system of application, needs to provide ideal environments for research in
artificial intelligence where complex stimulus and various dynamic agents are used. In addition, computer games
provide basic interactive cognitive models. However, the integration of computer games in the learning process need
to be viewed from a positive angle. Designing computer games embedded with learning elements is not an easy task
but is an approach perceived to help pupils understand their tasks easily. Besides enjoyment, pupils are able to gain
cognitive and affective elements through problem solving, making decisions, making conclusions and working
collaboratively with their friends. Pupils not only learn about the subject matter but they also build up their own
personality.

References

Baranauskas, M., Neto, N., & Borges, M. (1999). Learning at work through a multi-user synchronous simulation game. Proceeding of the
PEG’99 Comference. Exeter. UK.
Bokyeong Kim, Hyungsung Park, Youngkyun Baek. (2009). Notjust fun, but serious strategies: Using meta-congnitive strategies in game-based
learning. Computer & Education Journal Bil 52. 800-810
Druckman, D. (1995). The Educatinaol Effectiveness of Interactive Games Simulation and gaming across disciplines and cultures: ISAGA at a
watershed, Thousand Oaks: Sage, 178-187
Fenggeng Ke (2008). A case study of computer gaming for math: Engaged Learning from gameplay. Computer & Education Journal Bil 51.
1609-1620.
Garris, R., Ahlers, R. and Driskell, J.E. (2002). Games, motivation and learning, simulation & gaming: An Interdisciplinary Journal Practice and
Research. Vol 33, No. 4. Dec 2002.
Gee J.P. (2006) Good Video Games and Good Learning. http://www.academiccolab.org/resources/documents/Good_Learning.pdf, muat turun
pada 30 September 2011
Johannes Fromme. (2003). Computer Games as a Part of Children’s Culture. The International Journal of Computer Game Research.
http://www.gamestudies.org/0301/fromme/ muat turun pada 30 September 2011
Johnston, R.T. de Felix, W. (1993). Learning from video games. Computer in schools, 1999-233
Kolb, D.A., Rubin, I.M. & MclnTyre, J. (1971). Organizational Psychology: An experimental approach. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Malone, T.W. 1981. What makes computer game fun? Byte 6(12). 258-277
Pivec, M., Dziabenko, O., Schinnerl, I. (2003). Aspects of game-based learning. In Proceedings of I-KNOW ‘03, 2003, pp. 216-225
Roslina Ibrahim & Azizah Jaafar. (2010). Using Educational Games in Learning Introductory Programming: A Pilot study on students’
perceptions. Proceedings 2010 International Symposium on Information Technology - Visual Informatics, ITSim'10 1, art. no. 5561414
 Ibrahim Ahmad and Azizah Jaafar / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 59 (2012) 515 – 519 519

Roslina Ibrahim & Nazli Yahya. (2008). Educational Computer Games (ECG) for Malaysia Educational Settings? A Review and Prospect .
Prosiding 2nd International Malaysian Educational Technology Convention. Kuantan, Pahang
Syamsul Bahrin & Nurshuhada. (2009). Analisis Teri Pembelajaran Dalam Permainan Mudah Alih. Prosiding Seminar Kebangsaan Teknologi
dan Inovasi Pengajaran- Pembelajaran 2009. Putrajaya. Malaysia
Thornton, G.C. & Cleveland, J.N. (1990). Developing managerial talent though simulation, American Psychologist, 190-199

View publication stats