Design principles to create an enabling game-based learning environment for the development of 21st century skills

Abstract

Learning environments that intrigue the Generation Z learner while transferring communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills are what is needed to prepare this generation for the challenges that they are going to face in the 21st century. This research focuses on design principles that would help educators and students in designing (and co-designing) game-based learning environments conducive to not only transferring content knowledge, but also of the most applauded skills that new graduates are compelled to possess. Employers agree that the students do not have what it takes to be successful in the 21st century workplace. Especially in South African context, the focus of higher education institutions can therefore not only be on content delivery, but has to also be on the development of the 4Cs, communication, collaborations, creativity and critical thinking. The research was conducted at the University of Pretoria where an existing reality game, The Amazing Race, was adapted and re-conceptualised for educational purposes. The overarching search for design principles that could be beneficial in the implementation of a game-based learning environment was guided by an investigation of the elements of the game implemented, the characteristics of games and finally the opportunities afforded to develop the 4Cs. The freshman engineering students’ experiences are discussed using the students’ own voices, and the design principles that surfaced are discussed. It seems as if there are distinct principles that could ease the efforts of practitioners in the implementation of similar learning environments. Further research is needed to refine the principles to other learning environments.