Teachers’ perceptions of implementing Digital Game-Based Learning in the classroom: A convergent mixed method study
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Dec 28, 2023
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Abstract
Research on Digital Game-Based learning (DGBL) indicated it is effective in inducing student motivation and learning outcomes. Teachers as gatekeepers of technology should maneuver DGBL as pedagogical approach to engage students. In this convergent mixed method study, the researcher surveyed 116 pre-service, internship, and in-service teachers about their attitudes, self-efficacy, teaching philosophy, and perceived barriers toward the implementation of DGBL. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected and corroborated. Results showed majority of teachers gravitated toward Edutainment Games and Educational Applications based on pre-existing familiarity, comfortableness, and ease of use. Findings revealed misalignment between teachers’ endorsed teaching philosophy and their preferred game genre for use in instruction. The implication is that teachers during internship and post-induction should become educated in digital games and corresponding learning theory inherent in its design, so they can leverage teaching philosophy, knowledge and strategies to instruct in tandem with a pedagogically sound and thoughtfully chosen game.
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Articles - General topics
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References
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Andersen, M., & Jiang, J. (2018, May 31). Teens, social media & technology 2018. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/
Baek, Y. K. (2008). What hinders teachers in using computer and video games in the classroom? Exploring factors inhibiting the uptake of computer and video games. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 11(6), 665-671.
Barab, S. A., Gresalfi, M., & Arici, A. (2009). Why educators should care about games. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 76-80.
Becker, K. (2007). Digital game‐based learning once removed: Teaching teachers. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38(3), 478-488.
Caperton, I. H. (2010). Toward a theory of game-media literacy: Playing and building as reading and writing. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations (IJGCMS), 2(1), 1-16.
Chatham, R. E. (2007). Games for training. Communications of the ACM, 50(7), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1145/1272516.1272537
Charsky, D., & Mims, C. (2008). Integrating commercial off-the-shelf video games into school curriculums. TechTrends, 52(5), 38-44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-008-0195-0
Collins, K. M., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Sutton, I. L. (2006). A model incorporating the rationale and purpose for conducting mixed-methods research in special education and beyond. Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal, 4(1), 67-100.
Connolly, T. M., Stansfield, M., & Hainey, T. (2011). An alternate reality game for language learning: Arguing for multilingual motivation. Computers & Education, 57, 1389-1415.
Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. L. P. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage Publications.
Denham, A. (2019). Using the PCaRD digital game-based learning model of instruction in the middle school mathematics classroom: A case study. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12582
Easterling, A. (2021). Digital game-based learning: Teacher training, perceptions, benefits, and barriers. Culminating Projects in Educational Administration and Leadership, 78 [The Repository @ St. Cloud State]. Retrieved from https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/edad_etds/78/
Egenfeldt-Nielsen, S. (2005). Beyond edutainment exploring the educational potential of computer games.
Entertainment Software Association. (2020). The ESA’s 2020 essential facts about the video game industry. Retrieved from https://www.theesa.com/esa-research/2020-essential-facts-about-the-video-game-industry/
Ertmer, P. A., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T., Sadik, O., Sendurur, E., & Sendurur, P. (2012). Teacher beliefs and technology integration practices: A critical relationship. Computers &Education, 59(2), 423-435.
Flynn, R., Bacon, E., & Dastbaz, M. (2010). Impact of learning paradigms in games design: How the theory of learning has influenced the design of video games. In Global Learn Asia Pacific, 2010(1), 1550-1556.
Franklin, T., & Annetta, L. (2011). Preface special issue: Digital games and simulations in teacher preparation. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 19(3), 239-242.
Games, A., & Squire, K. D. (2011). Searching for the fun in learning: A historical perspective on the evolution of educational video games. Computer Games and Instruction, 17-46.
Gao, F., Li, L., & Sun, Y. (2020). A systematic review of mobile game-based learning in STEM education. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68, 1791-1827.
Gee, J. P. (2007). Good video games + good learning: Collected essays on video games, learning and literacy. New York, NY: Peter Lang.
Gibson, D., Halverson, W., & Riedel, E. (2007). Gamer teachers. In D. Gibson, C. Aldrich & M. Prensky (Eds.). Games and simulations in online learning: Research and Development Frameworks (pp. 175-188). IGI Global.
Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational evaluation and policy analysis, 11(3), 255-274. https://doi.org/10.3102/01623737011003255
Groff, J. S. (2018). The potentials of game-based environments for integrated, immersive learning data. European Journal of Education, 53(2), 188-201. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12270
Gros, B. (2007). Digital Games in Education: The Design of game-based learning. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 40(1), 23-38.
Hayes, E., & Ohrnberger, M. (2013). The Gamer Generation Teaches School: The Gaming Practices and Attitudes towards Technology of Pre-Service Teachers. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 21(2), 154-177.
Hsu, T. Y., & Chiou, G. F. (2011, March). Preservice teachers' awareness of digital game-supported learning. In Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference, 2011(1) (pp. 2135-2141). Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/3236245/Preservice_Teachers_Awareness_of_Digital_Game_Supported_Learning
Huizenga, J. C., Ten Dam, G. T. M., Voogt, J. M., & Admiraal, W. F. (2017). Teacher perceptions of the value of game-based learning in secondary education. Computers and Education, 110, 105-115.
Johnson, R. B., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Turner, L. A. (2007). Toward a definition of mixed methods research. Journal of mixed methods research, 1(2), 112-133.
Kaimara, P., Fokides, E., Oikonomou, A., & Deliyannis, I. (2021). Potential barriers to the implementation of digital game-based learning in the classroom: Pre-service teachers’ views. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 26(4), 825-844. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-021-09512-7
Kebritchi, H., Kappers, W. M., & Hirumi, A., & Henry, R. (2009). Analysis of the supporting websites for the use of instructional games in K-12 settings. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(4), 733-754. Retrieved from https://commons.erau.edu/publication/346
Krippendoff, K. (2004). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lambert, J., Gong, Y., & Cuper, P. (2008). Technology, transfer and teaching: The impact of a single technology course on preservice teachers’ computer attitudes and ability. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 16(4), 385-410.
Madden, J., Pandita, S., Schuldt, J., Kim, B., S. Won, A., & Holmes, N. (2020). Ready student one: Exploring the predictors of student learning in virtual reality. PloS One, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229788
Meredith, T. R. (2016). Game-based learning in professional development for practicing educators; A review of the literature. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 60(5), 496-502. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0107-7
Millstone, J. (2012). National survey and video case studies: Teacher attitudes about digital games in the classroom. New York, NY: Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop in collaboration with BrainPOP®. Retrieved from https://educators.brainpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/jgcc_teacher_survey.pdf
Molina-Carmona, R., & Llorens-Largo, F. (2020). Gamification and advanced technology to enhance motivation in education. In Informatics (Vol. 7, No. 2, p. 20). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics7020020
Papastergiou, M. (2009). Digital game-based learning in high school computer science education: Impact on educational effectiveness and student motivation. Computers & Education, 52(1), 1-12.
Prensky, M. (2007). Digital game-based learning. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House Edition.
Rankin, Y., McNeal, M., Shute, M. W., & Gooch, B. (2008). User centered game design: Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games for Second Language Acquisition. Conference proceedings from Sandbox Symposium, 43-49.
Ren, X. (2019). Stealth assessment embedded in Game-Based Learning to measure soft skills: A critical review. In X. Ren (Ed.). Game-Based Assessment Revisited (pp. 67-83). Springer. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-15569-8_4
Rice, J. W. (2007). New media resistance: Barriers to implementation of computer video games in the classroom. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 16(3), 249-261.
Richter, J., & Dawley, L. (2010). Creating context for educational research in virtual worlds: An invitation to dialogue. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations.
Ritzhaupt, A., Higgins, H., & Allred, B. (2010). Teacher experiences on the integration of modern educational games in the middle school mathematics classroom. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 29(2), 189-216.
Ritzhaupt, A., Higgins, H., & Allred, B. (2011). Effects of modern educational game play on attitudes towards mathematics, mathematics self-efficacy, and mathematics achievement. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 22(2), 277-297.
Sandford, R., Uicsak, M., Facer, K., & Rudd, T. (2006). Teaching with games: Using COTS games in formal education. In JISC Innovating eLearning Conference.
Squire, K. (2005). Changing the game: What happens when video games enter the classroom. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 1(6).
Stieler-Hunt, C., & Jones, C. (2019). A professional development model to facilitate teacher adoption of interactive, immersive digital games for classroom learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(1), 264-279.
Susi, T., Johannesson, M., & Backlund, P. (2007). Serious games: An overview. [Technical Report HS-IKI-TR-07-01. School of Humanities and Informatics]. Skövde, Sweden: University of Skövde
Takeuchi, L. M., & Vaala, S. (2014). Level up learning: A national survey on teaching with digital games. New York: The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop. Retrieved from https://www.joanganzcooneycenter.org/wp-content/upoads/2014/10/jgcc_leveluplearning_final.pdf
Tobias, S., & Fletcher, J. D. (Eds.). (2011). Computer games and instruction. IAP.
Uluay, G., & Dogan, A. (2020). Pre-service science teachers’ learning and teaching experiences with digital games: KODU game lab. Journal of Education in Science Environment and Health, 6(2), 105-119.
Van Eck, R. (2015). Digital game-based learning: Still restless, after all these years. Educause Review, 50(6), 13.
Vogt, S. (2018). Middle school teachers' use and perceptions of digital game-based learning (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
Young, M. F., Slota, S., Cutter, A. B., Jalette, G., Mullin, G., Lai, B., ... Yukhymenko, M. (2012). Our princess is in another castle: A review of trends in serious gaming for education. Review of Educational Research, 82(1), 61-89.
Wu, M. L. (2018). Making sense of digital game-based learning: A learning theory-based typology useful for teachers. Journal of Studies in Education, 8(4), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5296/jse.v8i4.13022
Andersen, M., & Jiang, J. (2018, May 31). Teens, social media & technology 2018. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/
Baek, Y. K. (2008). What hinders teachers in using computer and video games in the classroom? Exploring factors inhibiting the uptake of computer and video games. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 11(6), 665-671.
Barab, S. A., Gresalfi, M., & Arici, A. (2009). Why educators should care about games. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 76-80.
Becker, K. (2007). Digital game‐based learning once removed: Teaching teachers. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38(3), 478-488.
Caperton, I. H. (2010). Toward a theory of game-media literacy: Playing and building as reading and writing. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations (IJGCMS), 2(1), 1-16.
Chatham, R. E. (2007). Games for training. Communications of the ACM, 50(7), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1145/1272516.1272537
Charsky, D., & Mims, C. (2008). Integrating commercial off-the-shelf video games into school curriculums. TechTrends, 52(5), 38-44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-008-0195-0
Collins, K. M., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Sutton, I. L. (2006). A model incorporating the rationale and purpose for conducting mixed-methods research in special education and beyond. Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal, 4(1), 67-100.
Connolly, T. M., Stansfield, M., & Hainey, T. (2011). An alternate reality game for language learning: Arguing for multilingual motivation. Computers & Education, 57, 1389-1415.
Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. L. P. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage Publications.
Denham, A. (2019). Using the PCaRD digital game-based learning model of instruction in the middle school mathematics classroom: A case study. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12582
Easterling, A. (2021). Digital game-based learning: Teacher training, perceptions, benefits, and barriers. Culminating Projects in Educational Administration and Leadership, 78 [The Repository @ St. Cloud State]. Retrieved from https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/edad_etds/78/
Egenfeldt-Nielsen, S. (2005). Beyond edutainment exploring the educational potential of computer games.
Entertainment Software Association. (2020). The ESA’s 2020 essential facts about the video game industry. Retrieved from https://www.theesa.com/esa-research/2020-essential-facts-about-the-video-game-industry/
Ertmer, P. A., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T., Sadik, O., Sendurur, E., & Sendurur, P. (2012). Teacher beliefs and technology integration practices: A critical relationship. Computers &Education, 59(2), 423-435.
Flynn, R., Bacon, E., & Dastbaz, M. (2010). Impact of learning paradigms in games design: How the theory of learning has influenced the design of video games. In Global Learn Asia Pacific, 2010(1), 1550-1556.
Franklin, T., & Annetta, L. (2011). Preface special issue: Digital games and simulations in teacher preparation. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 19(3), 239-242.
Games, A., & Squire, K. D. (2011). Searching for the fun in learning: A historical perspective on the evolution of educational video games. Computer Games and Instruction, 17-46.
Gao, F., Li, L., & Sun, Y. (2020). A systematic review of mobile game-based learning in STEM education. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68, 1791-1827.
Gee, J. P. (2007). Good video games + good learning: Collected essays on video games, learning and literacy. New York, NY: Peter Lang.
Gibson, D., Halverson, W., & Riedel, E. (2007). Gamer teachers. In D. Gibson, C. Aldrich & M. Prensky (Eds.). Games and simulations in online learning: Research and Development Frameworks (pp. 175-188). IGI Global.
Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational evaluation and policy analysis, 11(3), 255-274. https://doi.org/10.3102/01623737011003255
Groff, J. S. (2018). The potentials of game-based environments for integrated, immersive learning data. European Journal of Education, 53(2), 188-201. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12270
Gros, B. (2007). Digital Games in Education: The Design of game-based learning. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 40(1), 23-38.
Hayes, E., & Ohrnberger, M. (2013). The Gamer Generation Teaches School: The Gaming Practices and Attitudes towards Technology of Pre-Service Teachers. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 21(2), 154-177.
Hsu, T. Y., & Chiou, G. F. (2011, March). Preservice teachers' awareness of digital game-supported learning. In Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference, 2011(1) (pp. 2135-2141). Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/3236245/Preservice_Teachers_Awareness_of_Digital_Game_Supported_Learning
Huizenga, J. C., Ten Dam, G. T. M., Voogt, J. M., & Admiraal, W. F. (2017). Teacher perceptions of the value of game-based learning in secondary education. Computers and Education, 110, 105-115.
Johnson, R. B., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Turner, L. A. (2007). Toward a definition of mixed methods research. Journal of mixed methods research, 1(2), 112-133.
Kaimara, P., Fokides, E., Oikonomou, A., & Deliyannis, I. (2021). Potential barriers to the implementation of digital game-based learning in the classroom: Pre-service teachers’ views. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 26(4), 825-844. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-021-09512-7
Kebritchi, H., Kappers, W. M., & Hirumi, A., & Henry, R. (2009). Analysis of the supporting websites for the use of instructional games in K-12 settings. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(4), 733-754. Retrieved from https://commons.erau.edu/publication/346
Krippendoff, K. (2004). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lambert, J., Gong, Y., & Cuper, P. (2008). Technology, transfer and teaching: The impact of a single technology course on preservice teachers’ computer attitudes and ability. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 16(4), 385-410.
Madden, J., Pandita, S., Schuldt, J., Kim, B., S. Won, A., & Holmes, N. (2020). Ready student one: Exploring the predictors of student learning in virtual reality. PloS One, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229788
Meredith, T. R. (2016). Game-based learning in professional development for practicing educators; A review of the literature. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 60(5), 496-502. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0107-7
Millstone, J. (2012). National survey and video case studies: Teacher attitudes about digital games in the classroom. New York, NY: Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop in collaboration with BrainPOP®. Retrieved from https://educators.brainpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/jgcc_teacher_survey.pdf
Molina-Carmona, R., & Llorens-Largo, F. (2020). Gamification and advanced technology to enhance motivation in education. In Informatics (Vol. 7, No. 2, p. 20). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics7020020
Papastergiou, M. (2009). Digital game-based learning in high school computer science education: Impact on educational effectiveness and student motivation. Computers & Education, 52(1), 1-12.
Prensky, M. (2007). Digital game-based learning. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House Edition.
Rankin, Y., McNeal, M., Shute, M. W., & Gooch, B. (2008). User centered game design: Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games for Second Language Acquisition. Conference proceedings from Sandbox Symposium, 43-49.
Ren, X. (2019). Stealth assessment embedded in Game-Based Learning to measure soft skills: A critical review. In X. Ren (Ed.). Game-Based Assessment Revisited (pp. 67-83). Springer. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-15569-8_4
Rice, J. W. (2007). New media resistance: Barriers to implementation of computer video games in the classroom. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 16(3), 249-261.
Richter, J., & Dawley, L. (2010). Creating context for educational research in virtual worlds: An invitation to dialogue. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations.
Ritzhaupt, A., Higgins, H., & Allred, B. (2010). Teacher experiences on the integration of modern educational games in the middle school mathematics classroom. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 29(2), 189-216.
Ritzhaupt, A., Higgins, H., & Allred, B. (2011). Effects of modern educational game play on attitudes towards mathematics, mathematics self-efficacy, and mathematics achievement. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 22(2), 277-297.
Sandford, R., Uicsak, M., Facer, K., & Rudd, T. (2006). Teaching with games: Using COTS games in formal education. In JISC Innovating eLearning Conference.
Squire, K. (2005). Changing the game: What happens when video games enter the classroom. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 1(6).
Stieler-Hunt, C., & Jones, C. (2019). A professional development model to facilitate teacher adoption of interactive, immersive digital games for classroom learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(1), 264-279.
Susi, T., Johannesson, M., & Backlund, P. (2007). Serious games: An overview. [Technical Report HS-IKI-TR-07-01. School of Humanities and Informatics]. Skövde, Sweden: University of Skövde
Takeuchi, L. M., & Vaala, S. (2014). Level up learning: A national survey on teaching with digital games. New York: The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop. Retrieved from https://www.joanganzcooneycenter.org/wp-content/upoads/2014/10/jgcc_leveluplearning_final.pdf
Tobias, S., & Fletcher, J. D. (Eds.). (2011). Computer games and instruction. IAP.
Uluay, G., & Dogan, A. (2020). Pre-service science teachers’ learning and teaching experiences with digital games: KODU game lab. Journal of Education in Science Environment and Health, 6(2), 105-119.
Van Eck, R. (2015). Digital game-based learning: Still restless, after all these years. Educause Review, 50(6), 13.
Vogt, S. (2018). Middle school teachers' use and perceptions of digital game-based learning (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
Young, M. F., Slota, S., Cutter, A. B., Jalette, G., Mullin, G., Lai, B., ... Yukhymenko, M. (2012). Our princess is in another castle: A review of trends in serious gaming for education. Review of Educational Research, 82(1), 61-89.
Wu, M. L. (2018). Making sense of digital game-based learning: A learning theory-based typology useful for teachers. Journal of Studies in Education, 8(4), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5296/jse.v8i4.13022