A Systematic Review of Serious Games for Collaborative Learning: Theoretical Framework, Game Mechanic and Efficiency Assessment

Authors

  • Chaoguang Wang Guangdong University of Finance & Economics
  • Lusha Huang Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i06.18495

Keywords:

serious game, collaborative learning, game design, game mechanics

Abstract


In recent years, there has been extensive research on serious games for edu-cational purpose. However, the design space for collaboration in games re-mains substantially unexplored. In this study, we systematically reviewed 31 empirical research articles regarding game-based collaborative learning published from 2006 to 2020 and attempted to provide new information about designing serious games for collaborative learning. We surveyed a number of games and investigated their design features that encourage col-laborative learning. Twenty game mechanics were identified and grouped in-to six main domains: (1) Space, (2) Objects, attributes and states, (3) Ac-tions, (4) Rules and goals, (5) Skill, (6) chance. The analysis of user studies they performed indicated that most of the game projects relied on self-report methods to test their learning effectiveness, and only a few studies adopted the data mining method based on game logs. The implications for research into facilitating collaborative learning and recommendations for future re-search directions are discussed.

Author Biographies

Chaoguang Wang, Guangdong University of Finance & Economics

First Author is currently a lecturer at the Guangdong University of Finance & Economics. He earned a PhD in design from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and received his post-doctoral training in the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong. His research interests focus on game design as well as player experi-ence and user studies enriched with physiological measurement. Previously he worked as a game designer and researcher for over six years at NetEase Inc., China, where he helped to develop the massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) title, Fairy Tale, from concept till delivery and live operation.

Lusha Huang, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts

Second Author is currently a lecturer at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. She obtained her PhD in interaction design at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, specialized in conducting research on areas such as gamification design, social design, interaction design, and experience design along with applying research knowledge into industrial settings. Her passion also gets recognized by over 20 design awards. Previously she worked as a designer and researcher in New York City and Los Angeles.

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Published

2021-03-30

How to Cite

Wang, C., & Huang, L. (2021). A Systematic Review of Serious Games for Collaborative Learning: Theoretical Framework, Game Mechanic and Efficiency Assessment. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 16(06), pp. 88–105. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i06.18495

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 06 (2021)

Section

Papers

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