Building Digital Video Games at School: A Design-Based Study

Abstract

Teachers and administrators in many Canadian schools are especially concerned about developing innovative ways that can intellectually engage their students in deep learning of core curriculum content, while equipping them with 21st century competencies. In this paper, we discuss some key ideas on how an intervention, a video game design and building process, was implemented as an innovative practice in four grade 6 social studies classes at a Calgary charter school. Utilizing a design-based research approach, the research design team explored and evaluated the effectiveness of the design in addressing the intervention and learning goals, and list some key findings and implications from the study.