Online Conference on
Learning and Teaching with Technology
in Art Design and Communication
DeL Online 2009: Presenters
Ana Castro Correia, Anabela Merrelho, Armanda Marques, Daniela Jorge Pereira, Vânia Cardoso & Clara Coutinho
Digital Games and Education: a Study of the Relationship between the use of Digital Games and Learning Outcomes
Abstract
This report discusses the educational value of digital games, their advantages and limitations when used in educational contexts, and presents the results of a study conducted in January 2009, with students from the Graduation in Education of the Minho University, having as main objective to evaluate the relationship between the use of digital games and learning outcomes.
We begin by defining the state of the art in the field of game based learning, referring the role that games and playing held in the structuring of culture and in the development of the individual, with the purpose of discussing the educational value of digital games.
For this study we used predominantly a quantitative survey, using an original questionnaire for data collection. The sample consists of 56 individuals, aged between 18 and 35 years.
In addition to the relationship established between the use of digital games and learning outcomes, it was also found that individuals who have the habit of using digital games have more consistent patterns of study. The hours dedicated to study and the concentration capacity is higher than in individuals who do not use digital games. It was also noted that the most valued processes and techniques involved in game based learning are learning through practice and learning through trial and error.
The individuals believe that one of the key factors that make digital games a strong educational resource is the development of skills. The analysis and evaluation presented intends to point out ways to exploit digital games as educational resources.
Keywords
Digital games, learning outcomes, educational potential, educational contexts.
Theme
The Virtual Atelier
Presentation
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Ana Castro Correia
Ana Castro Correia is an education professional that has worked in various fields, such as adult education, art education, and educational technology. Her interests are focused in serious gaming and in virtual worlds as online learning communities. Ana Castro Correia holds a graduation diploma in Education Sciences and is currently finishing her Master in Educational Technology, in the Minho University, in Braga, Portugal.
Ana Castro Correia
Education and Psychology Institute,
Minho University
Portugal
Email: anacastrocorreia@gmail.com
Co Authors
Anabela Merrelho
Education and Psychology Institute,
Minho University
Portugal
Email: amerrelho@gmail.com
Armanda Marques
Education and Psychology Institute
Minho University
Portugal
Email: armanda.marques82@gmail.com
Daniela Jorge Pereira
Education and Psychology Institute
Minho University
Portugal
Email: danielajorge.r@gmail.com
Vânia Cardoso
Education and Psychology Institute
Minho University
Portugal
Email: vaniascardoso@gmail.com
Clara Coutinho
Education and Psychology Institute
Minho University
Portugal
Email: ccoutinho@iep.uminho.pt
