JISC

Overview

The project aims to use collaborative games to improve attainment levels of vocational learners by increasing their level of interaction and engagement when they are undertaking theory based elements of their courses.  This will be achieved by removing the barriers of cost, complexity and lack of resources by developing a low cost, easy to use flexible system which allows collaborative games to be used routinely by all teaching staff to enhance the learning and teaching process.

Aims and objectives

This project aims to promote engagement and group work for vocational learners by developing and piloting easily modified/ used open source games templates which utilise wireless games controllers.

• Develop easily configured and used games templates which will encourage vocational learners to engage with group work and theory elements of the curriculum.
• Document a series of exemplar case studies to demonstrate the benefits of using the games templates
• Produce pedagogical and operational support resources to assist in the adoption and use of the games templates.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of games in engaging vocational learners with group work and theory elements of the curriculum.

Project methodology

The project manager will set up the project team and groups (Steering, Operational and Reference)

Preliminary Background Research will be carried out by both partners to inform the design process.

Games templates will be designed, developed, tested and populated by developers in preparation for piloting. The Reference Group will be consulted at key stages in this process. The project team will produce instructions to accompany the games.

Pilots will be conducted by academic staff with students groups.  The pilots will be evaluated by the project team who will produce documentation including an evaluation report and a series of case studies.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

Outputs:

• Games templates
• A bank of example games
• Instruction manuals
• Case studies
• Evaluation report

Outcomes:

• Increased student motivation
• Increased student to student interaction
• Increased learner engagement and participation
• Increased use of ICT for learning and teaching
• Reduced barriers to using ICT for learning and teaching
• Evidence of the pedagogical advantages of using games in an educational context
• Stimulate institutional decision makers and teaching staff to think about alternative methods of formative assessment

Technology / Standards used

• Visual C# 2008
• Microsoft XNA 3.1