New training strengthens Västernorrland's skills in game-based learning

Pedagogical creativity is at the heart of the game-based learning course offered at Mid Sweden University from this fall.

- Games are, besides entertainment, a powerful learning tool that can be used to solve complex problems, improve decision-making and develop collaborative skills," says Giselle Abbas, Project Manager at BizMaker.

Game-based learning has been identified as a strategically important competence in Västernorrland, where competence in both games and pedagogy is high. The gaming industry in Västernorrland and BizMaker saw great potential in developing an education in the area and therefore initiated a dialog with Mid Sweden University last year.

It soon became clear that there was great interest in using games in teaching, and the collaboration has now resulted in the course Game-based learning - a future-oriented investment in new learning methods.

- As an incubator and support for entrepreneurs, BizMaker recognizes that the gaming industry is a strong driver of innovation and creativity. Game-based learning can create dynamic and engaging learning environments where learners and participants interact in a way that increases their motivation and learning ability," says Giselle Abbas.

The training focuses on so-called 'serious games', i.e. games or game elements where the primary purpose is not entertainment. Educational games such as Duolingo for language learning or Thinkster for mathematics have been around for many years, and the expectation is that game-based learning will become even more widespread and integrated in new ways into education for both children and adults.

The course "Game-based learning: Theories and applications for education and working life" is 7.5 credits and is broadly aimed at those interested in games and learning.

- Games as a support for learning is a growing field. We believe that both teachers and game developers can benefit greatly from the course. It focuses on the behavioural aspects and on pedagogical creativity, not on programming," says Jimmy Jaldemark, professor of education who has been researching learning and digitalization since the mid-1990s.

As an example of educational creativity, Jimmy Jaldemark mentions a research project at Mid Sweden University where teachers were asked to design lessons around Pokémon Go, allowing primary school pupils to move around the city and check off points with educational challenges.

- It is of course about making it more motivating, but we also want to contribute with expertise at a deeper level with pedagogical insights into what works and how to follow up the learning, says Jimmy Jaldemark.