Digital Games and Learning

Nicola Whitton works as a Senior Research Fellow at Manchester Metropolitan University. She holds a doctorate in the use of educational games for learning and her research focuses on the relationship between games, play and learning. More broadly, her research interests encompass learning and teaching innovation and the use of rich media and technology for learning.

"The literature on games has become a dense and confusing growth. Nicola Whitton’s Digital Games and Learning finally gives a lucid and illuminating guide to both the forest and the trees. For anyone interested in games and learning this is the best 'strategy guide' available today."--James Paul Gee, Mary Lou Fulton Presidential Professor of Literacy Studies, Arizona State University"Finally! A book that builds robust bridges from learning research to practical game design and back again! Whitton's Digital Games and Learning boldly presents the core mechanisms of both learning and games, and from there builds up solid frameworks that can be used in a variety of contexts. This book is a tremendous boon to anyone who is designing or analyzing games for learning." --Jesse Schell, CEO of Schell Games and Distinguished Professor of Entertainment Technology at Carnegie Mellon University

• Part 1: IntroductionChapter 1OverviewChapter 2Evaluating digital games for learningPart 2: Games as active learning environmentsChapter 3Games as meaningful challengesChapter 4Games as authentic contextsChapter 5Games as social interactionsPart 3: Games as motivational toolsChapter 6Games as engaging eventsChapter 7Games as designed enjoymentChapter 8Games as reward mechanismsPart 4: Games as playgroundsChapter 9Games as protected playChapter 10Games as experimental spacesChapter 11Games as other worldsPart 5: Games as learning technologiesChapter 12Games as interactive systemsChapter 13Games as digital habitatsChapter 14Games as multi-sensory experiencesPart 6: ConclusionChapter 15The future of games and learning