Game Based Learning for University Students
Lobna Abdulsalam Mohammed
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to review the available literature on the recent trends and advancements in game based learning, focusing on university students. In order to do this, open source articles from Google Scholar were used. An attempt was made to select recent studies spanning the past decade so as to analyse the trends in how the attitude towards game based learning has evolved as well as the advancements in the quality of the games used for educational purposes. Using a set of criteria, approximately 400 papers were initially considered and then a smaller number were explored in detail. The research found that there are many benefits to using a game based learning approach in the education sector. Some of these include cognitive and behavioural development while also teaching skills that can be applied to the real world. Such an approach utilises features that include promoting engagement with the content and games, enhancing motivation and problem-solving skills. Therefore, this approach is a more holistic approach than conventional models of teaching and learning at every level of education. However, this approach is not devoid of its challenges, key among which include teacher training, financial barriers and developing good quality games.