Using Games and Simulations for Teaching and Assessment

Using Games and Simulations for Teaching and Assessment: Key Issues comprises a multidisciplinary investigation into the issues that arise when using games and simulations for educational purposes. Using both theoretical and empirical analyses, this collection examines cognitive, motivational, and psychometric issues with a focus on STEM content. Unlike other research-based volumes that focus solely on game design or the theoretical basis behind gaming, this book unites previously disparate communities of researchers—from civilian to military contexts as well as multiple disciplines—to critically explore current problems and illustrate how instructionally effective games and simulations should be planned and evaluated.While computer-based simulations and games have the potential to improve the quality of education and training, Using Games and Simulations for Teaching and Assessment: Key Issues shows how the science of learning should underlie the use of such technologies. Through a wide-ranging yet detailed examination, chapter authors provide suggestions for designing and developing games, simulations, and intelligent tutoring systems that are scientifically-based, outcomes-driven, and cost-conscious.

"This volume comprehensively traverses the exciting but complex issues associated with the use of games and simulations for teaching and assessment. Covering issues related to theory, design, cognition, motivation, validation, psychometrics, and evaluation, it offers an invaluable resource for those needing to understand approaches that will inevitably become centerpieces in the future of education, training, and assessment."--Randy Bennett, Norman O. Frederiksen Chair in Assessment Innovation in the Research & Development Division at Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey, USA"What a rich diversity of perspectives on the design, use, and evaluation of games and simulations for teaching and assessment. The book’s authors span the worlds of K-12, higher education, medical, and military training and provide a wealth of research-based frameworks, practical examples, and learning sciences applications. Game and simulation designers, intelligent tutor system developers, and curriculum designers and evaluators should find much food for thought!"--Joan Herman, Co-Director Emeritus of the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) at University of California, Los Angeles, USA"The editors of this remarkable volume have brought together the perspectives of leading researchers in both K-16 education and workforce training. Although centered on game and simulation applications and technology, the substantial contributions of its authors illustrate how much both communities have to offer each other, as well as the rest of us, in realizing the substantial promise of advanced technologies for learning."--J D Fletcher, Research Staff Member, Institute for Defense Analyses, USA

Harold F. O’Neil is Professor of Education Psychology and Technology at the University of Southern California and Project Director at the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST). Eva L. Baker is Distinguished Research Professor at the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles. She is also co-director of CRESST. Ray S. Perez is Program Officer at the Office of Naval Research (ONR), where he manages a cognitive science of learning research program.