Game-Based E-Learning Is More Effective than a Conventional Instructional Method: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Third-Year Medical Students

Abstract

BackgroundWhen compared with more traditional instructional methods, Game-based e-learning (GbEl) promises a higher motivation of learners by presenting contents in an interactive, rule-based and competitive way. Most recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis of studies on Game-based learning and GbEl in the medical professions have shown limited effects of these instructional methods.ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness on the learning outcome of a Game-based e-learning (GbEl) instruction with a conventional script-based instruction in the teaching of phase contrast microscopy urinalysis under routine training conditions of undergraduate medical students.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted with 145 medical students in their third year of training in the Department of Urology at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany. 82 subjects where allocated for training with an educational adventure-game (GbEl group) and 69 subjects for conventional training with a written script-based approach (script group). Learning outcome was measured with a 34 item single choice test. Students' attitudes were collected by a questionnaire regarding fun with the training, motivation to continue the training and self-assessment of acquired knowledge.ResultsThe students in the GbEl group achieved significantly better results in the cognitive knowledge test than the students in the script group: the mean score was 28.6 for the GbEl group and 26.0 for the script group of a total of 34.0 points with a Cohen's d effect size of 0.71 (ITT analysis). Attitudes towards the recent learning experience were significantly more positive with GbEl. Students reported to have more fun while learning with the game when compared to the script-based approach.ConclusionsGame-based e-learning is more effective than a script-based approach for the training of urinalysis in regard to cognitive learning outcome and has a high positive motivational impact on learning. Game-based e-learning can be used as an effective teaching method for self-instruction.

The effect of games and simulations on higher education: a systematic literature review

“…Furthermore, the impact of game-based learning on learning performance has been observed by numerous researchers across diverse subjects, as reported above (Zacharia & Olympiou, 2011;Rutten et al, 2012;Beckem & Watkins, 2012;Boeker et al, 2013;Shin et al, 2015;Hou, 2015;Chen et al, 2015;Tao et al, 2015). For instance, Divjak and Tomić (2011) provide evidence that computer games impact mathematical learning, revealing the positive effect of games on student learning outcomes.…”

“…The studies include longitudinal surveys (e.g. Hainey, 2011) conducted for a specified number of years, whereas others are comparative studies (e.g., Boeker, 2013;Poikela, 2015).…”

“…In general, most studies report that students develop a positive attitude toward the pedagogical adoption of games and simulations in education (Divjak & Tomić, 2011;Bekebrede, 2011;Ibrahim et al, 2011;Beckem & Watkins, 2012;Tanner et al, 2012;von Wangenheim et al, 2012;Halpern et al, 2012;Terzidou et al, 2012;Hanning et al, 2013;Giovanello, 2013;Cvetić et al, 2013;Kovalik & Kuo, 2012;Li & Tsai, 2013;Hainey et al, 2011;Boeker et al, 2013;Nkhoma et al, 2014;Costa et al, 2014;Chaves et al, 2015;Riemer & Schrader, 2015;Angelini, 2016;Geithner & Menzel, 2016). The participants in Dudzinski et al (2013) respond positively towards a serious web-based game, describing the experience as interesting, stimulating and helpful, as well as a valuable addition to their pharmacy curriculum.…”

Educational Games in Higher Education

“…According to the research results, Uro-Island has a high positive motivational impact on learning and used as an efective teaching method for self-instruction [23].…”

Educational Tools

“…In nephrology, a game-based format has been used to teach management of transplant patients (43), phasecontrast microscopy of urine (44), and important concepts in nephrology (45). A resource for those interested in more information is the Journal of Medical Internet Research Serious Games (www.jmir.org), which is devoted to computer/web applications that incorporate elements of gaming to solve serious medical and health problems.…”