Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Learning in Game-Based Environments consists of 27 credits (9 courses). 

EDLT 541	Foundations of Game-Based Learning	3.00 credits
EDLT 542	Research in Motivation & Game-based Learning	3.00 credits
EDLT 543	Play & Learning in a Participatory Culture	3.00 credits
EDLT 544	Integrating Games & Pedagogical Content Knowledge	3.00 credits
EDLT 545	Design & Development of Learning Games I	3.00 credits
EDLT 546	Design & Development of Learning Games II	3.00 credits
EDLT 547	Capstone Project I	1.50 credits
EDLT 548	Capstone Project II	4.50 credits
EDUC 535	Rsrch & Eval Instruction Tech	3.00 credits

Course Descriptions

EDLT 541 Foundations of Game-Based Learning - 3.00 credits

Students explore the rationale of game studies, the history of games and learning, the role of digital media, and the social nature of games as an affinity space for social learning. Students demonstrate their understanding of why games are powerful environments for learning, identity formation, and motivation.

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EDLT 542 Research in Motivation & Game-based Learning - 3.00 credits

This course introduces students to research in game-based learning and the role of motivational theories associated with games and player styles. Students conduct research on existing games to identify the motivational and learning factors. The course provides a foundation for incorporating the role of motivation for engaging learning.

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EDLT 543 Play & Learning in a Participatory Culture - 3.00 credits

Students examine games, emerging media, and learning in the context of participatory culture. Students focus on play, its role in learning in social spaces, and the current research around these practices. Students study the issues relating to how schools, organizations, and society are responding to the challenges of emerging technologies.

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EDLT 544 Integrating Games & Pedagogical Content Knowledge - 3.00 credits

Students use the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) educational technology framework. Students explore game design systematically by framing game genres as forms of pedagogy as they consider educational content. Students demonstrate their understanding of the interplay of technology, pedagogy, and content in the game environment.

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EDLT 545 Design & Development of Learning Games I - 3.00 credits

This course introduces students to the design process of learning games. Students will engage in the iterative design research process through rapid prototyping, play-testing, and learning. Students will work in design teams to experience the process and how to apply learner-centered design principles.

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EDLT 546 Design & Development of Learning Games II - 3.00 credits

This course engages students in the design of a framework for their capstone project using techniques learned in EDLT 545: Design/Dev Learning Games I. Students work in teams to develop a detailed learning games framework.

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EDLT 547 Capstone Project I - 1.50 credits

This capstone course is the first part of an independent study where students engage in designing a framework and conducting research. Each student researches a game concept and develops a design framework. Research includes user research and technological, pedagogical and content theories to create the foundation for their learning game

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EDLT 548 Capstone Project II - 4.50 credits

This capstone course is the 2nd part of an independent study where students engage in a design and development project based on their design framework. Students submit documents, conduct play testing, report on the testing results, write a descriptive analysis of their worked example, and present their game prototypes.

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EDUC 535 Rsrch & Eval Instruction Tech - 3.00 credits

Course will focus on teaching and learning technology standards, general applications of technology and basic technology and skills. Will examine and critique educational software and learning technologies, and through research, develop criteria for technology. This course includes a 1-2 day field-based research assignment.

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