Evaluating an Online Game

          Online educational games are alternative learning tools for students. According to Chatzidaki (2011), educational games could also be used to enhance student motivation, demonstrate practice skill, and enhance strategy and problem solving skills. These qualities are all essential for learning any subject in order to enhance students’ level of mastery of a topic. In choosing an online educational game to use in the classroom, the teacher must first evaluate the game and determine if the game is safe, engaging, and meets educational standards.
          One effective way to evaluate an online game is through the use of a rubric. A rubric is a type of performance assessment that can be used to effectively assess many aspects of the game. These aspects may include the interface, navigation, levels of difficulty, and accessibility. When developing a rubric, it is important that the rubric is organized, reasonable, understandable, and feasible (McMillan, 2011, p. 247). A poorly developed rubric may lead to false evaluation of the game, and could allow the teacher to use the game inappropriately. When utilizing the rubric to evaluate a game, it is important to keep in mind the categories in which you are evaluating. Thorough game play is required in order to effectively evaluate the game in each category. Difficulties in evaluating the game may be the type of game being evaluated and the evaluator's preference for the game. If the game is not engaging and has a boring interface yet fulfills educational standards, the evaluator may give the game a low score. On the other hand, if the game is highly engaging and appealing, yet does not fulfill educational standards, the evaluator may give the game a high score. Therefore, it is important to determine which type of rubric would be best to rate the game. Analytic rubrics, those in which individual scores are given to each criterion (McMillan, 2011, p. 244) is recommended in evaluating an online game. In this way, the evaluator will be able to determine individual areas that require improvement.
          In conclusion, online educational games are a great way to assess students' knowledge on topics previously taught in class.  However, not just any game can be used to enhance student learning.  The online educational games must go through repetitive play and effective evaluation through the use of a rubric.  Developing and utilizing a detailed analytic rubric is the best option in evaluating a game.


References:

Chatzidaki, E., Kostaras, N., Xenos, M. (2011). Assessment of an educational online virtual 
          game environment: The case of SimSafety.  [PowerPoint slides].  Retrieved from website
          http://www.gast.it.uc3m.es/ied-summit-2011/slides/iED_Eleni_Chatzidaki.pdf

McMillan, J. (2011).  Classroom assessment: Principles and practice for effective standards-based
           instruction.  Boston, MA: Pearson.