Game-Based Learning Platform to Enhance Student Science Outcomes

Investigation into the use of games for learning has grown from a small niche area to a major focus of research over recent years; however, there are no yearlong studies on game-based learning in science in the What Works Clearinghouse. Digital games hold potential for supporting student engagement and understanding.

Purpose

This multiagency partnership aims to deliver on the promise of game-based learning by building appropriate district supports and lowering the burden on teachers and help overcome the barriers to scaling identified in prior studies. Each strategy will be rigorously tested by WestEd, culminating in a rigorous randomized controlled trial of a full year game-based learning science supplemental curriculum.

The partnership brings together Impact Florida, Legends of Learning, and WestEd to support the improvement and implementation of Legends of Learning (the game-based learning platform being studied), which may increase students’ engagement in and improve their attitudes toward science; increase their opportunities to learn; and, ultimately, improve their end-of-year assessment scores.

Audiences Served

Through this multiagency partnership, 5th grade teachers, their students, and administrators across school sites in Miami-Dade County Public Schools will receive access to the game-based learning platform to supplement regular science instruction. Knowledge produced from this project will be shared broadly with practitioners and researchers interested in game-based learning approaches.

Project Activities

WestEd and its partners will engage in these activities to achieve project goals and objectives: (a) audit and align games to the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards; (b) develop a district support system, including recommended games for teachers; (c) develop a personalized learning mode; (d) develop an ideal implementation model; (e) implement and test the efficacy of Legends of Learning in our high-need sample; and (f) disseminate findings and track progress on cost and sustainability.

Project Director

Katy Nilsen

Katy Nilsen is a senior research associate with the Science and Engineering team at WestEd. She leads research and evaluation studies of educational technology…

Funder

The project is funded in full by the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant program at the U.S. Department of Education through award number Impact Florida/MID47.

Project Duration

5 years (1/1/24–12/31/28)