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Game-Based Learning
Game-based learning (GBL) is an innovative strategy used in medical education that puts a fun twist on both teaching and learning. Using games and gaming elements to teach can facilitate interaction, engagement and immersion. There are multiples types of game-based education strategies, including:Game-Based Learning
Gamification
Gamification
Using game design elements in educational activities. Learners work for extrinsic rewards (e.g. points, rewards systems, badges, levels).
Using game design elements in educational activities. Learners work for extrinsic rewards (e.g. points, rewards systems, badges, levels).
Serious Games
Serious Games
Games created to teach specific learning objects. Learners are intrinsically motivated by the challenges of the game.
Games created to teach specific learning objects. Learners are intrinsically motivated by the challenges of the game.
Simulation Games
Simulation Games
Games that simulate a learning experience in a low risk environment.
Games that simulate a learning experience in a low risk environment.
Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms
Multiple medical education-based puzzles are solved to "escape" a situation, solve cases or conquer a mission.
Multiple medical education-based puzzles are solved to "escape" a situation, solve cases or conquer a mission.
Gamification Resources
Gamification Resources
Click the links below to access platforms that allow incorporation of gamification into learning activities.
Kahoot
Kahoot
Description: Create interactive quizzes that include challenges, rewards, competition
Format: web or app
$$: Free and fee plans
Type of learning: In person, virtual, synchronous
Nearpod
Nearpod
Description: Time to Climb, Matching Pairs, Draw It, etc.
Format: web or app
$$: Free and fee plans
Type of learning: In person, virtual, synchronous
Edapp
Edapp
Description: Learning Management System that allows gamification of lesson plans
Format: web or app
$$: Free and fee plans
Type of learning: In person, virtual, asynchronous
Quizlet
Quizlet
Description: Gamified online learning platform – using flashcards, matching, games, etc.
Format: web or app
$$: Free and fee plans
Type of learning: In person, virtual, asynchronous
Gamification
Gamification
Playing games is fun! It turns out it can be an effective teaching strategy as well. By using game principles and design to teach, you can motivate and engage learners in new ways. Below are links to websites that you can use to work some gaming strategies into your didactics, including morse code, crossword, QR code generators, and tinyurl generators.
Meridian Outpost - Convert text to Morse code
Serious Games
Serious Games
Below are links to serious games that can be used for medical education. Some cost $$ and some are free. Included below are ideas for how to create serious games, just plug in your own teaching objectives and content.
Brain Architecture
Brain Architecture
Specialty: General pediatrics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics
Description: Players make brains with pipe cleaners. Demonstrates effects of positive and negative experiences on brain development
Format: Tabletop
$$: Fee for DIY and ready-made
Players/time: 4-6 players/group; 75-90 min
Life Course Game
Life Course Game
Specialty: All (intersection of Social Drivers of Health and medicine)
Description: Illustrates how social determinants of health impact individuals and communities
Format: Tabletop
$$: Free (click on the Life Course Game link under the Resources section for access to a google drive folder)
Players/time: 5 players or teams per game board; 90-120 minutes
DBP Building Blocks
DBP Building Blocks
Specialty: general pediatrics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics
Teach players how to observe social communication skills and other behaviors while playing “Jenga”. Players follow the usual rules of Jenga but, for each turn, they ask each other questions to elicit certain behaviors that are typically observed during a DBP clinical evaluation. Those watching the game make behavioral observations while pretending to do other tasks. Simulates making behavioral observations during a patient visit. Contact katie.larmand@gmail.com for instructions/gamekit.
Name That Disorder (DIY)
Name That Disorder (DIY)
Specialty: all
Based on “Name that Tune”. The goal is to name a disorder or syndrome with the fewest number of signs/symptoms given. For many disorders with overlapping symptoms, players could build broad differential lists, slowly homing in on a particular disorder. Can demonstrate how many disorders have overlapping features and distinguishing characteristics that can help differentiate a diagnosis. From Pitt, M. B., Borman-Shoap, E. C., & Eppich, W. J. (2015). Twelve tips for maximizing the effectiveness of game-based learning. Medical Teacher, 37(11), 1013–1017. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2015.1020289
Around the Room in 80 Seconds (DIY)
Around the Room in 80 Seconds (DIY)
Specialty: all
After answering a quiz type question, the player adds something they know about the topic, each player then adds to that until the facilitator feels major teaching points have been sufficiently covered (timed or untimed). Encourages facilitator mediated peer-to-peer teaching. From Pitt, M. B., Borman-Shoap, E. C., & Eppich, W. J. (2015). Twelve tips for maximizing the effectiveness of game-based learning. Medical Teacher, 37(11), 1013–1017. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2015.1020289
"Chutes and Ladders" (DIY)
"Chutes and Ladders" (DIY)
Specialty: all (intersection of Social Drivers of Health and medicine)
“Chutes and Ladders” game can be used to illustrate positive parenting techniques or how social drivers of health facilitate moving forward or backward on the game board.
Developmental Milestones Charades (DIY)
Developmental Milestones Charades (DIY)
Specialty: general pediatrics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics
Learners act out developmental milestones while other players guess the age at which they are achieved.
The following are some great games on which to base serious games for medical education.
The following are some great games on which to base serious games for medical education.
Charades Life Taboo Family Feud Cranium
Charades Life Taboo Family Feud Cranium
Headbands Trivial Pursuit Scavenger Hunts Apples to Apples
Headbands Trivial Pursuit Scavenger Hunts Apples to Apples
Simulation Games
Simulation Games
Below are a variety of links to simulation games. Simulation games can come in a variety of formats including web-based, in - person and virtual reality (VR)
Poverty Simulator
Poverty Simulator
Specialty: All (intersection of Social Drivers of Health and medicine)
Description: Participants simulate 1 month in the life of a person facing poverty.
Format: In person simulation
$$: Fee
Players/time: Up to 88 participants/~2 hours
Spent
Spent
Specialty: All (intersection of Social Drivers of Health and medicine)
Description: Online game designed to simulate how low wage jobs effect families. Players are challenged to live on $1000/month.
Format: Web-based
$$: Free
Players/time: Individual play/15-30 minutes
Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms
In general escape rooms have a theme (e.g. a case, clinic, or shift). Solving puzzles leads to codes that then lead to more puzzles or the end of the game in which you overcome a challenge. Escape rooms are fun, but time intensive to create and work through. Remember that you can always use individual components of an escape room to quickly teach on the fly (e.g. crossword puzzles, word searches, jigsaw puzzles). Below resources that can be used to build your own escape room.
Good puzzles/challenges to use in medical escape rooms
Good puzzles/challenges to use in medical escape rooms
Matching games
Matching games
Word searches
Word searches
Crossword puzzles
Crossword puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles
Procedure simulations (e.g. IV placement, intubation)
Procedure simulations (e.g. IV placement, intubation)
Tips for Game-Based Learning
Tips for Game-Based Learning
Adapted from Pitt, M. B., Borman-Shoap, E. C., & Eppich, W. J. (2015). Twelve tips for maximizing the effectiveness of game-based learning. Medical Teacher, 37(11), 1013–1017. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2015.1020289
Make Memories
Make Memories
Unique experiences make memories. Educational games can create an enjoyable experience while learning.
No-Stress Competition
No-Stress Competition
If a game is competitive, think of ways to make it less stressful. Encourage a supportive, non-threatening environment. Guesses and incorrect answers should be used as an opportunity for discussion. Encourage group play – raising a clock rather than each other.
Use What's Out There
Use What's Out There
There are lots of games concepts that can be applied to medical education. Cut down on game learning time by using games that are well known.
Remember Objectives
Remember Objectives
While creating an educational game, it’s important to make objectives that align with the objectives of your overall workshop/ curriculum. Share your objectives with the learners.
While creating an educational game, it’s important to make objectives that align with the objectives of your overall workshop/ curriculum. Share your objectives with the learners.
Feedback/Debrief
Feedback/Debrief
Debriefing is one of the most important parts of playing medical education games. You want to make sure you are not just playing, but using the game as a platform to start discussion, review objectives and bring home teaching points.
Resources
Resources
Articles
Articles
1) Pitt, M. B., Borman-Shoap, E. C., & Eppich, W. J. (2015). Twelve tips for maximizing the effectiveness of game-based learning. Medical Teacher, 37(11), 1013–1017. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2015.1020289
2) Shah, A. S., Pitt, M., & Norton, L. (2023). ESCAPE the Boring Lecture: Tips and Tricks on Building Puzzles for Medical Education Escape Rooms. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205231211200
3) Edwards, S., Gantwerker, E., Cosmini, M., Christy, A., Kaur, A., Helms, A., Stiver, M., London, Z. (2023) Game-Based Learning in Neuroscience: Key Terminology, Literature Survey, and How To Guide to Create a Serious Game. Neurology Education, 2 (4). https://doi.org/10.1212/NE9.0000000000200103
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