Learning through game design

The primary purpose of this quasi experimental pre and post test study is to examine whether the use of game design would have an impact on content learning, understanding and retention of knowledge, in information literacy classes. In this study game design activity was incorporated into undergraduate information literacy classes. Scratch, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed software was used to facilitate game design. The pre-test was used to establish a baseline measure for comparison with the post-test measure, with the comparison indicating effectiveness of the dependent variable. Video recordings and artifacts were gathered to obtain richer data of the experience. Researchers agree that there is a lack of empirically-grounded frameworks for integrating gaming activities into classrooms. This study has the potential of creating new knowledge about game design specific to higher education and libraries.