Three layered thinking model for designing web-based educational games

Abstract

With the rapid development of the Internet and multimedia technologies, it has become feasible for educators to produce Web-based educational games. However, challenges remain in terms of how to create content that ensures effective learning environments for different types of knowledge under a limited budget. Thus, this paper presents a three layered model of game design that integrates game goals within the curriculum and game design. The model stresses the importance of decreasing the task complexity and increasing the four flow factors: skill, challenge, concentration and pleasure. This model has been applied to an experimental study in which three games were empirically designed to test its practical usefulness. Findings indicated that the integrated quality of a Web-based game encourages the learner's engagement. Since Web-based educational games are at an early stage of development, this model promises to be a useful tool for all phase of educational game design. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.