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Game-based learning (GBL)
research and development continues to be a priority
at SwRI, necessitated by the heavy influence of
today's technology in the lives of younger people. |
Game-Based Learning (GBL) is designed to
engage the student by drawing them into a scenario, situation,
or storyline that, while supporting the learning objectives,
also provides a challenge that motivates them to learn. The
closer to an actual environment the GBL application is, the more
engaged the student is likely to be. This presents a greater
opportunity for knowledge transfer and retention.
Researching the Application of GBL
Southwest Research Institute continues to be engaged in
research in the application of GBL, which represents an
opportunity to further the field of training research and
provide new methods to reach diverse workforces. Businesses are
increasingly faced with the prospect of recruiting and retaining
the best talent of the Millennial Generation (also called
Generation Y), and the best talent pool is heavily populated
with people raised with access to computers. The heavy influence
of technology now necessitates a different approach to training.
SwRI’s GBL research seeks to answer fundamental questions about
the application of this training method including:
Objective of GBL Study
The objective of the current study is to measure the impact of
GBL on several important training outcomes, relative to a more
traditional learning approach. In the study, test groups of students will use
a GBL application and the results of the training will be
measured against a group receiving the resident mix of assigned
readings and on-the-job training.
The study includes a diversely
aged population and will provide insight into the effectiveness
of GBL when applied to those under and those older than 50 years of
age.
Development of GBL Application
In the development of the application, computer programmers and
graphic artists will develop the GBL to consist of a simulated
environment in which students will be presented real-world
scenarios and will be required to make decisions based upon the
environment, situation, and their understanding of the
challenges.
Administration and Measurement of GBL Outcomes
Upon completion of the GBL development, SwRI staff will
administer the GBL application to the participating groups and
collect data on the immediate results of the application. Staff
will return at intervals to measure the long-term effect. The
application will also be left with the test groups to measure
how often and under what set of circumstances the GBL
application is used without formal presentation.
Future of GBL
As we advise our legacy clients, and light fires of interest
within new communities, we’ll draw upon a foundation of proven
research to support our recommendations. As a leading developer
of training solutions we’ll continue to push the limits of GBL
to compliment our full range of capabilities.
For more information about
game-based learning
capabilities and techniques at SwRI or how you can contract with
SwRI, please contact
Susan Porter, at
susan.porter@swri.org
or (210) 522-2812. |
