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Educational Game Design

4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 236 ratings
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Bahcesehir University

This course was designed for the ones who wants to have an idea about games, gamification in education, game-based learning and related research studies in this field.

After this course you will be able to;

  • distinguish the difference between play and game,

  • design educational games,

  • convert a game into an educational game

  • use gamification principles in your educational settings.

Read more

This course was designed for the ones who wants to have an idea about games, gamification in education, game-based learning and related research studies in this field.

After this course you will be able to;

  • distinguish the difference between play and game,

  • design educational games,

  • convert a game into an educational game

  • use gamification principles in your educational settings.

This course is designed for anyone who wants to get an overall idea about educational games. If you are a teacher, an educator or a person who wants to design educational games, this course is for you. I am sure that there are things you can find related with your area of interest. As it offers major components of educational game it will be easy to catch and easy to do with daily life examples. That’s so you will be both capable of give information about game components, educational games and gamification and practice and create your own games based on your own target.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • To be able to design an educational game
  • To be able to convert a game into an educational game
  • To be able to distinguish play, game, gamification and educational game
  • To be able to use gamification principles in educational settings
  • To be able to catch recent trends in educational technology as educational game and gamification

Syllabus

Introduction to Educational Game

In this video there is a brainstorming question about how important to play games in a learning environment.

Read more

In this video you will learn factors that prevent playing games in teaching.

In this video you will learn some game jargon examples being used while playing games.

In this video the importance of game jargon is explained.

In this video you will find the comparison between past and present games and some reasons cousing these differences.

In this video you will find exlanations about the labels that you see on games.

In this video some good educational game examples are presented.

In this video you are expected to design another educational game using different game elements and mechanics.

In this video you will see the shareholders of a game friendly environment.

In this video the most basic reason to play games is explained.

In this video you will see scientific researches about game-based learning.

In this video game-based learning researh result will be shared.

In this video you will see some how games can shape chlidren's development.

In this video you will see skills in games.

In this video we will discuss some skills that can be developed by playing games.

In this video you will discover some feelings that we experince while playing games.

In this video you will see game examples for cannot be transformed into educational games.

In this video you will see how easy to find game materials to create games.

In this video there is one of the componants of games which is game mechanics.

In this video you will see some game mechanic examples.

In this video there is more detailed and explanatory information about game mechanics.

In this video there is one of the componants of games which is game elements.

In this video there is more detailed and explanatory information about game elements.

In this video you will find some clues about parkour and escape/breakout games for educational purposes.

This video explains the basic concepts of gamification.

In this video you will find some gamification examples.

In this video it is explained how to apply gamification in education.

Ih this video you will closely see how to use some game elements to give feedback.

In this video some good board game examples are presented to transform educational board games with helpful clues.

In this video you will see the differences and similarities between play, game and gamification.

In this video you will see different game environment examples.

In this video it is clarified how often to use feedback.

In this video you will find many things about level, gamification tools and an introduction to how to design gamification.

In this video there will be step-by-step instructions to convert a game into an educational game.

In this video you will see the transformation of five stones game into an educational game.

In this video you will find more examples fo transformation of a regular game into an educational game.

In this video you will start to design your own game using clues in the video.

In this video you will be given some game elements and mchanics to design another game for yourself.

In this video it is explained the benefits of designing educational games.

Learners will be able to design an educational board game.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the differences between play, games, and gamification, which is helpful for educators looking to incorporate game-based learning into their classrooms
Presents research on game-based learning, which can help educators advocate for its use and understand its impact on child development
Covers game mechanics and elements, which are essential components for designing engaging and effective educational games
Includes a section on educational board game design, which offers a hands-on approach to creating engaging learning experiences
Presents examples of games that cannot be transformed into educational games, which helps learners avoid common pitfalls and focus on suitable options
Requires learners to brainstorm and design educational games, which may require additional time and effort outside of the course videos

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Reviews summary

Introduction to educational game design concepts

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in understanding the core concepts of educational games, gamification, and game-based learning. Many appreciate the clear explanations and the structure of the course, finding it a great starting point for educators and beginners interested in the field. The course covers the differences between play, games, and gamification, and offers ideas for designing and converting games for learning. However, some reviewers feel the content could benefit from being more in-depth and offering more practical examples or tools, particularly for implementing designs.
Covers basics of designing learning games.
"The course gave me some ideas on how to design educational games."
"I can now identify game elements and mechanics that can be used for educational purposes."
"Learning how to convert a regular game into an educational one was very insightful."
An excellent starting point for newcomers.
"This is a very good course for beginners."
"If you are new to educational game design, this course is a great starting point."
"It helps understand the basics for someone who has no prior knowledge."
Provides a clear introduction to key ideas.
"This course is a solid foundation into Educational Game Design."
"It gives a clear definition of game-based learning, gamification, play and game. I liked it."
"I learned the definitions and differences between play, games, educational games, and gamification."
"The concepts are introduced clearly and the distinctions between related ideas are helpful."
Reviewers wanted more advanced or detailed info.
"It was a little basic for me; I was hoping for more advanced content."
"Some topics felt rushed and could have gone into more detail."
"Good overview, but doesn't delve deeply into any specific area."
Could use more examples and implementation details.
"I wish there were more practical examples or tools shown."
"The course is a good theoretical intro, but I need more practical application guidance."
"It provides the concepts but doesn't really get into the 'how-to' deeply enough for implementation."
"I was expecting more hands-on guidance on designing actual games."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Educational Game Design with these activities:
Review Game Design Principles
Reviewing fundamental game design principles will provide a solid foundation for understanding how to create effective and engaging educational games.
Browse courses on Game Design Principles
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos on core game design concepts.
  • Identify examples of these principles in popular games.
  • Reflect on how these principles can be applied to educational settings.
Read 'Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals'
Reading this book will provide a comprehensive understanding of game design principles, which is crucial for designing effective educational games.
View Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals (Mit... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to game mechanics and elements.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Consider how these concepts can be applied to educational game design.
Participate in a Game Design Peer Review Session
Participating in peer review sessions will provide valuable feedback on your game designs and help you learn from others.
Show steps
  • Share your game design ideas with a group of peers.
  • Provide constructive feedback on others' designs.
  • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different game mechanics.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Simple Educational Game Prototype
Designing a game prototype will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course and solidify your understanding of educational game design.
Show steps
  • Choose a learning objective and target audience.
  • Brainstorm game mechanics and elements that align with the learning objective.
  • Create a basic prototype of the game, focusing on core gameplay.
  • Test the prototype with target users and gather feedback.
Create a Blog Post on Gamification in Education
Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your knowledge of gamification and share your insights with others.
Show steps
  • Research current trends and best practices in gamification.
  • Outline the key points you want to cover in your blog post.
  • Write the blog post, providing examples and insights.
  • Edit and proofread your blog post before publishing.
Explore 'Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World'
Reading this book will broaden your understanding of the potential of games for positive change and provide inspiration for designing impactful educational games.
View Imaginable: How to Create a Hopeful Future―in... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to the benefits of gaming.
  • Reflect on how these benefits can be leveraged in educational game design.
  • Discuss the book's ideas with peers or in online forums.
Develop a Presentation on Educational Game Design Trends
Creating a presentation will help you research and synthesize current trends in educational game design, improving your understanding of the field.
Show steps
  • Research current trends in educational game design.
  • Create a presentation outline with key topics and examples.
  • Develop visually appealing slides with concise information.
  • Practice your presentation to ensure a smooth delivery.

Career center

Learners who complete Educational Game Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
eLearning Developer
An eLearning developer creates online learning materials, including interactive modules, videos, and assessments. The job of an eLearning developer requires a blend of technical skills and pedagogical knowledge. Developing expertise in game design and gamification principles enhances the appeal and effectiveness of eLearning content. This course, centered on educational game design, helps build a foundation in creating engaging and interactive learning experiences within the digital space. The course's hands-on approach makes it a powerful tool for creating cutting-edge eLearning programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for eLearning Developer
Learning Experience Designer
Learning experience designers create engaging and effective learning solutions. A learning experience designer focuses on the overall user experience of learning programs. By learning educational game design, and how to convert games into learning experiences, an learning experience designer will be able to convert a game into an educational game. Since this course focuses on the major components of educational game design, it will be easy for learning experience designers to create their learning modules.
See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Experience Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create learning experiences, often using technology, to help people learn more effectively. They develop online courses, training programs, and other educational materials, focusing on how to best present information for optimal retention. An instructional designer should develop expertise on designing educational games and integrating gamification principles within educational settings. By understanding how to distinguish between play and game, and how to convert a game into an educational game, someone in this role can enhance the engagement levels of their instructional programs. This course is particularly valuable for its focus on practical application, enabling you to design and implement your own educational games.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer creates and designs educational curricula and materials. The work of a curriculum developer involves researching educational standards, creating lesson plans, and selecting appropriate resources. This course, with its focus on educational game design, helps build a foundation in understanding how to make learning engaging and interactive, benefiting a curriculum developer. The course's emphasis on converting games into educational experiences directly applies to creating novel and effective curricula. Taking this course is beneficial as it specifically tackles the integration of game based learning into educational settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Education Technology Specialist
An education technology specialist integrates technology into the classroom to enhance teaching and learning. The responsibilities of an education technology specialist may include training teachers on new software, troubleshooting technical issues, and evaluating the effectiveness of technology tools. By understanding how to design educational games and use gamification, someone in this role can promote innovative and engaging learning experiences. This course is particularly valuable for its focus on applying game-based learning principles in education, helping education technology specialist remain at the forefront of educational innovation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Education Technology Specialist
Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers design and deliver training programs to employees, improving their skills and knowledge. The role of a corporate trainer is to enhance employee performance and productivity. Applying the principles of educational game design and gamification can significantly boost employee engagement and knowledge retention. The course's approach to converting games into educational tools is directly applicable to designing engaging training modules. The course is beneficial as it provides practical strategies for creating effective and enjoyable training experiences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Trainer
Training Specialist
A training specialist develops and delivers training programs for employees within an organization. A training specialist helps employees gain new skills and knowledge. The course's emphasis on gamification principles in educational settings translates directly to creating engaging and effective training modules. The exploration of game design and conversion to educational games is applicable to corporate training as well. Because the course explores educational game design, it is highly beneficial for anyone looking to improve employee engagement and knowledge retention through innovative training methods.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training Specialist
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant advises schools, organizations, and individuals on best practices in education. The responsibilities of an educational consultant include assessing current programs, recommending improvements, and implementing new strategies. This course, with its focus on educational game design and gamification, helps build a foundation in understanding innovative teaching methods. By learning to design educational games, an educational consultant can recommend and implement game based learning strategies. Given the course's focus on practical application and real-world examples, it will be beneficial as it provides tools to enhance educational environments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Youth Program Coordinator
Youth program coordinators plan and organize activities and programs for young people, often in after-school or community settings. It is the role of a youth program coordinator to develop engaging and educational activities for children and teenagers. The principles of educational game design and gamification emphasized in this course are useful. A youth program coordinator may apply what they learn from this course to develop fun, engaging, and educational programs. The course's focus on converting existing games into educational tools is particularly valuable in this context.
See salaries and explore the career path for Youth Program Coordinator
After-School Program Director
An after school program director oversees and manages after school programs for children and adolescents. The role of an after school program director is to create engaging and educational activities for kids. By learning educational game design, and how to convert games into learning experiences, an afterschool program director enhances fun and excitement for the kids. This course is particularly useful for program directors looking to incorporate educational elements into their after school activities. As this course helps build a foundation in innovative recreation, it is highly beneficial to directors.
See salaries and explore the career path for After-School Program Director
Museum Educator
Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs and exhibits for museum visitors of all ages. A museum educator often works to make learning fun and interactive; they might develop museum tours, workshops, and online resources. This course, with its emphasis on educational game design, may be useful. By learning to design educational games and apply gamification principles, a museum educator can create more engaging and memorable exhibits and programs. Considering the course's focus on practical application and real-world examples, it is beneficial for those seeking to enhance the educational impact of museum experiences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator
Summer Camp Counselor
A summer camp counselor supervises children and leads activities at a summer camp. A summer camp counselor is responsible for creating a fun and educational environment for campers. By learning educational game design, and how to convert games into learning experiences, a summer camp counselor helps children to have more fun at the camp. The course may be particularly useful for counselors looking to incorporate educational elements into their camp activities. The course is beneficial as it helps build a foundation in innovative recreation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Summer Camp Counselor
Educational Software Developer
Educational software developers create software applications designed for learning and instruction. The responsibilities of an educational software developer involve combining programming skills with pedagogical principles to develop effective educational tools. This course, centered on educational game design, helps build a strong foundation to incorporate game based learning elements into software applications. By understanding how to design and convert games into educational tools, someone in this role can create highly engaging and effective learning software. This course is beneficial as it specifically focuses on enhancing educational experiences through games.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Software Developer
Educational App Developer
Educational app developers specialize in creating mobile applications for learning. The role of an educational app developer involves blending technical skills with an understanding of educational principles to create engaging and effective learning tools. By understanding how to design and convert games into educational tools, an app developer can incorporate game based learning elements into software applications. Since this course focuses on the major components of educational game design, it will be easy for educational app developers to create their own games based on their own target.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational App Developer
Game Designer
A game designer conceptualizes and develops video games, board games, and other forms of interactive entertainment. The job of a game designer requires creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of player psychology. This course explores how to convert a regular game into one that is educational in nature. This course's coverage of game mechanics and elements from an instructional perspective is helpful in creating both entertaining and educational games. Taking this course is helpful as it provides a different perspective on game design, focusing on its educational applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Educational Game Design.
Cover image
Rules of Play
Save
Comprehensive guide to game design, covering everything from basic principles to advanced techniques. It provides a solid foundation for understanding game mechanics, elements, and systems, which are essential for designing effective educational games. It commonly used textbook in game design programs.
Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals (Mit Press)
Hardcover
$$$
The Game Design Reader: A Rules of Play Anthology...
Hardcover
$$
Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals
Kindle Edition
$$
The Game Design Reader: A Rules of Play Anthology
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Imaginable
Save
McGonigal argues that games can be used to solve real-world problems and improve our lives. is valuable for understanding the potential of games for education and social change. It provides a broader perspective on the impact of games on society.
Imaginable: How to Create a Hopeful Future―in Your...
Paperback
$$
Imaginable
Paperback
$$
(中文) Imaginable: How to See the Future Coming and Feel...
Paperback
$$
Imaginable: How to See the Future Coming and Feel...
Kindle Edition
$

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Rating
4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
2 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Bahcesehir University
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the differences between play, games, and gamification, which is helpful for educators looking to incorporate game-based learning into their classrooms
Presents research on game-based learning, which can help educators advocate for its use and understand its impact on child development
Covers game mechanics and elements, which are essential components for designing engaging and effective educational games
Includes a section on educational board game design, which offers a hands-on approach to creating engaging learning experiences
Presents examples of games that cannot be transformed into educational games, which helps learners avoid common pitfalls and focus on suitable options
Requires learners to brainstorm and design educational games, which may require additional time and effort outside of the course videos
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