Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Today's Learners: Applying Gaming Elements to Enhance Student Engagement in a University Visual Communication Course

Hamm, Breanna H.

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Education (MEd), Bowling Green State University, Career and Technology Education/Technology.

New generations of learners who have grown up in a digital age have made it difficult for educators to keep students engaged in the classroom. Video games are one solution to the problem of engaging and motivating students. This study looks at current popular social video games, as well as alternate reality games, and the elements that these games possess that foster engagement in players. The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze gaming characteristics to determine how certain game characteristics could be effectively incorporated into a introductory digital photography course curriculum to create more motivation in class critiques and discussion.

A framework based on Tom Chatfield's TED Talk "7 Ways Games Reward the Brain" was used to develop a gaming model that could be applied to an Introductory Digital Photography course at Bowling Green State University. This model was reviewed by members of an expert panel through a process of alpha and beta reviews. Recommendations of the expert panel were taken into consideration for the development of the final model.

The study concluded that many tools and applications are available to assist instructors in creating personalized and engaging learning environments, but much work would still be required to develop and implement gaming elements into a course curriculum. As new tools and technology become available, the integration of such a model may become less cumbersome and more common among educational environments.

Terry Herman, PhD (Advisor)
Larry Hatch, PhD (Committee Member)
Anthony Fontana, MFA (Committee Member)
100 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hamm, B. H. (2011). Today's Learners: Applying Gaming Elements to Enhance Student Engagement in a University Visual Communication Course [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1308576036

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hamm, Breanna. Today's Learners: Applying Gaming Elements to Enhance Student Engagement in a University Visual Communication Course. 2011. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1308576036.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hamm, Breanna. "Today's Learners: Applying Gaming Elements to Enhance Student Engagement in a University Visual Communication Course." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1308576036

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)