Creating Educational Games That Kids Actually Enjoy
With the digital age thriving, the concept of educational games is more prevalent than ever. How can we ensure that these games are not only educational but also fun for children? This article explores the key strategies and insights needed to create engaging educational games that captivate young minds.
The Power of Gamification
One popular approach to making educational experiences more enjoyable is through gamification. However, it's essential to understand the difference between effective gamification and the creation of superficially engaging but ultimately ineffective educational experiences.
Exacton, or as my Latin teacher used to call it, 'chocolate-covered broccoli,' involves incorporating game elements into non-game processes. This often results in shallow activity that does little to enhance understanding or engagement. While platforms like Duolingo creatively use gaming elements, they do not claim to be full-fledged games, thus widening the gap between gamification and true game-based learning.
Identifying What Kids Enjoy in Games
To create a successful and engaging educational game, it's crucial to understand what elements of video games capture children's attention and drive their interest. Video games come in various genres, each appealing to different aspects of play:
Action and Adventure Games: Offer players the power of choice and customization, along with complex, immersive storylines. Racing Games: Appeal to those who enjoy thrills and competition, combining speed and strategic elements. Puzzle Games: Engage the mind in solving intricate problems, offering a sense of achievement through puzzles.Many educational games fail to integrate these elements effectively, often resulting in poorly conceived multi-genre mashups. A well-crafted genre-specific game can provide a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.
Integrating Learning Objectives into Game Design
The next step in creating an enjoyable educational game is integrating learning objectives seamlessly into the game design. Unlike gamification, which may superficially mask educational content, genuine game-based learning operates by making the educational process an integral part of the game.
For example, a Latin teacher turned an adventure-style story into an engaging learning experience, embedding Latin lessons within an immersive narrative. This approach not only made the learning process more enjoyable but also more effective by providing context and relevance.
Final Fantasy XII: A Lesson in Game-Based Learning
Interestingly, the game mechanics of Final Fantasy XII demonstrated that games can teach fundamental concepts, even outside their primary genre. The gambit system in Final Fantasy XII inadvertently taught players about basic programming concepts, highlighting the potential of games for educational purposes.
By leveraging the narrative and mechanics of different game genres, developers can create educational games that are both engaging and effective. The critical factor is to avoid superficial masking and instead focus on elements that genuinely contribute to the learning experience.
In summary, creating educational games that kids actually enjoy involves understanding what captivates young minds, identifying appropriate genres, and integrating learning objectives in a meaningful way. By doing so, we can transform educational experiences into fun and engaging adventures that truly make a difference in the lives of learners.