What is your experience with video game learning supports?

Video game learning supports typically denotes the utilization of games as instruments for education and the improvement of learning. I have some experience with this type of learning; in middle school I played games on “Cool Math Games” or played language games on Duo lingo. This strategy of learning capitalizes on the captivating and fun qualities of video games to foster the acquisition of knowledge and the enhancement of skills across different subjects.

Which principles (Mayer’s and Merrill’s) seem to be commonly applied in in-game support and which ones are often missed in your experience?

Many of Mayer’s principles are commonly applied in in-game learning supports. One of those principles is the Multi-media principle. In video games, this principle can be applied by integrating text, graphics, and audio to present information in a more engaging and effective manner. Another principle applied is Mayer’s Personalization Principle. It suggests that the use of conversational rather than formal language can enhance learning; video games often incorporate dialogue among NPCs ( Non-player characters) or game elements and a overall story which contributes to a more engaging and relatable learning experience. Furthermore, video games are often designed in a spatially and temporal way ( having a story/progression throughout the game) which encaptures Mayer’s Contiguity principle of avoiding cognitive overload to enhance understanding.

Some of Merrill’s principles are also applied in in-game learning supports such as Task-centered Principle. This principle emphasizes that learning is most effective when it is organized around real-world tasks or problems; video games often revolve around tasks or challenges that players need to accomplish. An example would be a game that sequences a math quiz into a series of tasks and gives a reward upon complete. Video games also apply Merrill’s Application and Integration principles, many games include simulations of real-life tasks that players can apply their knowledge and skills towards.

Though many of Mayer’s and Merrill’s principles are applied in in-game learning, I’ve noticed that there are a few missing from my personal experience. The first one that is usually missed is Mayer’s Coherence principle. Video games often focus a lot on graphics and visual effects but sometimes that can takeaway from learning. I’ve played a lot of learning games where extraneous text, images, and animations often distract me from actually learning. Video games also sometimes miss Mayer’s Redundancy principle. I’ve found that video games often duplicate information,presenting the same information in both visual and auditory formats simultaneously. Sometimes this can be redundant and lead to cognitive overload.

Link to Lesson Plan

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QgZGiKy3H61Mg6bKCz9k05XdbPTwb4pGgS3Z9P9KeH4/edit?usp=sharing

H5P Learning Object: Quiz on Web Design Principles