Empowered Learners!

Empowered Learners!




Under the category of empowered learners are several principles dealing with the players control over the game. A good learning game gives the learner the ability to shape the experience with their choices, and to customize the game play to suit them. Another interesting principle is identity. According to Gee (2004) “Deep learning requires an extended commitment”; games develop this by getting players to become deeply invested in a character. This involvement is also created by allowing high levels of manipulation by the user, in other words, the more a player can do with a character the more invested they will become, and this level of investment leads to deep level learning.

Ways to empower learners:

• Allow freedom in choosing an avatar or game piece. Think of how much people race to get the monopoly piece they like, or the color of game piece they have.

• Allow choices, such as in Jeopardy, the player can choose a category, or in a role playing game, freedom to create a persona.

• Let gamers choose from a variety of games to play

• Allow learners to work in creating game questions

• Create a physical link to the game by adding movement