interview with James Paul Gee

I was watching the video of the interview of James Paul Gee, and these are the few differences of game-based learning from traditional learning/interesting points that I've managed to pick out.

1. Game-based learning is a continuous and on-going form of assessment throughout the game and does not separate learning from fun. For traditional learning, assessment usually takes place after a chapter is being taught.

2. Game-based learning allows the integration of the tools/skills that we learn and not merely using the standard solutions.

3. Game-based learning allows us to solve problems which are what we often face in real-world situation. On the other hand, traditional learning sometimes does not allow many problem-solving scenarios to take place.

4. For game-based learning, we learn about something that we produce and not just merely about knowledge and facts.

5. Scientists learn the language of science by doing science. Similarly, students can play the games first and have a greater understanding of the topic. They would then be more interested to read up on the various instructions and manuals after the games as the terms would then made more meaning/sense. This allows them to be addicted to learning instead of being forced.

6. Game-based learning allows collaboration and students usually prefer to learn with another person instead of a person who is an expertise in the subject (eg. Teacher).

7. Students not only want to consume, but they would want to produce as well. For example, they would want to design/construct some product of their own.


One main point that I took home was Prof Ashley mentioning that in games, we often “fail” and thus would have to restart all over again. As students, we would more likely be willing to try out the particular stage again to proceed on to the next as it is fun and interesting. During this learning and failing process, students can constantly replay without having to feel demoralized. Instead, failing is part of the learning process in games. However, if we were to give a one-time assessment, then students may feel demoralized if they were to fail. Some may even give up and stop trying after a period of time.

However, it would take a long time for us to move from traditional learning to game-based learning as most of us would already have the traditional mindset and we would have to take on a new perspective and boldness to try out something creative and innovative. As what James Paul Gee mentioned, it’s time to re-professionalize teachers. Game-based learning is also helpful to students who are in general not interested to learn from the normal textbook style or students who suffer from ADHD. Games would in general attract their attention if they find it interesting and they would be able to gain knowledge from there. Some games require students to know certain terms before they can unlock the next stage. Therefore, games provide a good platform for learning. Hopefully one day in my contract teaching school, there would be a teacher bold enough to make a change! Ha. Despite the fact that I know it’s going to be so beneficial to the students, I think I’m too afraid to be the person to pioneer this if no one is doing it in my school. I feel so unadventurous!! Haha.