Evaluating gamescapes and simapps as effective classroom teaching tools

Abstract

GameScapes and SimApps, are new narrative and game mechanic influenced tools for improving the classroom learning experience of students. In Fall 2015, GameScapes and SimApps were tested with 16 American colleges and universities and 26 members of their faculties to improve learning outcomes in first-year composition classes, many including English as secondary language students, specifically focusing on writing skills and grammar abilities. Several GameScapes and SimApps developed for the course were tested with over 1000 students. Faculty members could select at least two games from a set of 17 such games that would best align with their courses’ learning objectives. Scores earned in student gameplay were converted to points that applied to students’ grades in the courses. This paper presents a formative evaluation of the GameScapes and SimApps that were used by the teachers and students and discusses best practices, classroom observations, learning outcomes and future scalability of this methodology to other courses.