Designing and integrating purposeful learning in gameplay: What will it take to ensure sustainable learning and effectiveness outcomes?

Abstract

This paper is in response to a manuscript entitled “Designing and integrating purposeful learning in game play: a systematic review” (1). Ke’s excellent review in this supplement highlights the ongoing need to apply more pedagogical rigor based on sound educational principles in the design and assessment of games. Ke calls for more robust implementation research about how to better apply learning integration in digital games to drive more meaningful learning effectiveness. The article demonstrates the rich methods and opportunities that researchers have used to map out better approaches to measuring and improving the complex arena of learning by game mechanics and game world design. Nearly all children and teens and many adults play video games daily and so it is important to understand how games can help improve learning outcomes. Further research is needed on the design and research of learning integration using continuous design improvement methods in advancing testable theories of game-based learning-play improvement. Maximizing learning effectiveness requires the gameplay to make sense to the learner and act as a catalyst for gradually growing insights and learning accountability by the learner.