Teacher Directed Active Learning Games

Abstract

Games are widely recognized for their potential to enhance students' learning. Yet they are only rarely used in classrooms because they cannot be modified to meet the needs of a particular class. This article describes a novel approach to creating educational software that addresses this problem: provide an interface specifically for teachers that enables them to define the content of the games, and track the impact on their students' learning. The games themselves use physical interfaces and multimedia to encourage collaboration and keep students active and engaged. Two specific applications are described, along with results of field-testing the applications in local elementary schools. A system for disseminating and sharing the teacher-defined content is also presented.