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Here are some concepts and ideas for using games and game design elements in

teaching.

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The question is how to make this meaningful for students with barriers to entry.

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These game design concepts: Core Mechanic, Components, Ambient Feedback,

Simple Starts, Choice, Agency, Flow,

One distinction Id like to make is that as teachers we can use game elements and

game design features, without taking games wholesale.

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The core mechanic in a game will usually be thepurposeful interaction that occurs

the mostfrequently. In a platform game, this is usually jumping. In a shooter, it is

usually shooting. In a racing game, it will be driving. Another way to determine the

core mechanic is, if without it, you wouldnt be able to play the game at all.

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In Monopoly, the core mechanic is buying property, building it up, and collecting rent.

In Tetris, the core mechanic is rotating rectangularly shaped falling objects into a flat

floor. In basketball, the core mechanic is dribbling, passing, and shooting.

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One important element of game design is feedback. One idea that we can use as

teachers is the idea of ambient feedback. This is the types of feedback we get from

the game environment that helps us improve our performance. When a missed shot

bounces off a rim in basketball, thats feedback that our shooting wasnt good. When

we make money on a property in Monopoly, thats feedback that we are pursuing a

winning strategy. This type of integrated feedback is something that we can use in

our repertoire as teachers. Interestinly enough, it is estimated that gamers spend

80% of their time failing. Why do they persist? Its connected to the idea of ambient

feedback.failing with a purpose and a reason.

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Most games start simply. Theres a low threshold for entry, and skills at the beginning

of a game. You only pick up one jack. You start with the cheapest property and no

development in Monopoly. It follows the idea of gradual release in good curriculum

design.

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Here are some book that youd find helpful on this topic.

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