Guided Gameplay of Serious Games

Time for:

• Plan: 5-15 min
• Execute: 20-60 min

Type(s) of Essential(s):

Prerequisite:

• Is a prerequisite: Yes
• Has a prerequisite: Yes

Overview

Learners play serious games on digital tools. Educators engage learners in discussion about their gameplay and encourage them to converse with peers about what’s happening and strategies.

Goals and Outcomes

Goal: Expose learners to different types of serious games, topics, and game mechanics that change the player.

Outcomes: Learners build their social-emotional awareness and understanding by learning more about their peers and issues that impact different groups of people through games. Learners expand their knowledge of game topics and game mechanics by playing games that range in subjects, such as educational content (i.e., pre-algebra, ratios, etc.) and social issues, which may spark game ideas for their pitch.

Materials

Broadband; Digital tools with internet capability; Guided Gameplay of Serious Games Questions sheet; Digital whiteboard or dry erase board

Preparation

Prerequisite: Activities to complete before this activity - Overview of Transformational Design Framework

Select a minimum of 4 four serious games designed for learners’ age group, and maybe slightly younger or older. On computers, open web browsers to the games’ website. On tablets, organize apps in one folder with an identifiable title (i.e. Apps to Play). List selected game titles on a digital whiteboard, dry erase board, or another board (e.g., Post-It Easel Pad).

Implementation and Completion

Ask learners to list the five changes of the Transformational Design Framework as a group and note their responses on a digital or dry erase board. Inform learners that part of the work of game designers is to play a lot of different games. Tell learners they will play a variety of games on different content areas, and as they play to reflect on the changes. Review the games listed on the board and approximate the amount of time they’ll have to gameplay. Ask them if they have questions.

While learners gameplay, encourage dialogue between learners and prompt deeper thinking with Guided Gameplay of Serious Games Questions sheet. If possible, when the gameplay time ends, label learners’ initials on the devices so they can easily resume their gameplay the next day.

Notes

The more game options presented, the more time will need to be allocated for this activity. Sources for finding serious games can be found on the Guided Gameplay of Serious Games Questions sheet.