Mission: Education - Achieving Tactical Skills Through Digital Game-Based Learning

Abstract

This paper analyzes the importance of digital game-based learning within the higher military education system. The advantages of implementing digital wargaming in the learning system are presented, including its risk-free and cost-effective nature, its ability to allow “what-if” scenarios, facilitate knowledge transfer, skill acquisition, attitudinal/behavioral change, time-saving benefits, and the ability to understand the operational environment or test new technologies. The combination of these specific advantages, along with the motivation derived from the enjoyment of the game, should be the focus of military education academics and practitioners. Additionally, the paper highlights the requirements that the chosen game must meet, such as complexity, realism, balance, and providing opportunities for learning and developing skills that are tracked through data collection and subsequent feedback. By integrating digital games and using the principle of “play, have fun and learn”, the learning process in higher military education can effectively improve the development of essential tactical skills that are difficult to achieve through other traditional teaching methods.