Conference paper
Changing the way science is taught through gamified laboratories
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark1
University of Southern Denmark2
NordicMetrics ApS3
Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark4
Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark5
University of Copenhagen6
Behavioral Phenomics, Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark7
Miguel Hernández University of Elche8
Bacterial Synthetic Biology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark9
A large proportion of high school and college students indicate that they have little interest in science, and many graduate with marginal science competencies. However, laboratory exercises, usually the most engaging part of science courses, tend to be expensive, time consuming and occasionally constrained by safety concerns.
Combining gamification elements with simulations may provide an opportunity for great gains in learning effectiveness and motivation of biotech students. An advanced laboratory simulation platform based on mathematical algorithms supporting open-ended investigations was developed and combined with gamification elements such as an immersive 3D universe, storytelling, conversations with fictional characters and a scoring system.
Two gamified laboratory simulations were tested: a crime-scene lab and a genetic engineering lab (http://www.labster.com/biolabs/). A study testing the crime-scene case in an introductory, college-level, life science course was conducted revealed that a gamified laboratory simulation can significantly increase both learning outcomes and motivation levels when compared with, and particularly when combined with, traditional teaching.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2015 |
Pages: | 6697-6703 |
Proceedings: | The 7th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies |
Series: | Edulearn |
ISBN: | 8460682439 and 9788460682431 |
ISSN: | 23401117 |
Types: | Conference paper |
ORCIDs: | Jarmer, Hanne Østergaard and Sommer, Morten Otto Alexander |