Using a game-based learning environment to develop the 4Cs

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the disparity between learning environments, the needs of students, and the expectations of the ever-evolving workplace in South Africa. This study investigated the influence of a gamebased learning environment on the development of the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking) that students need to be successful in their studies and subsequently in industry. The data for the study was collected by means of reflective essays that were written by 145 first-year engineering students only one month after the completion of the game-based activity. A focus group interview was conducted with six participants and it shed further light on the students' experiences. Their comments, harnessed by analysing their essays qualitatively, confirmed that a game-based learning environment provided opportunities to develop the 4Cs. Thus, the implementation of game-based learning environments in higher education should be further investigated.