From Consoles to Classrooms: Preliminary Insights About Pre-Service Teachers and Video Games

Authors

  • Masiar Babazadeh SUPSI
  • Adrian Degonda Zurich University of Teacher Education, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Bernadette Spieler Zurich University of Teacher Education, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Luca Botturi University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Education and Learning / University of Teacher Education (DFA/ASP), Locarno, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecgbl.18.1.2730

Keywords:

Game Studies, Video Games, Primary and Secondary Education, Pre-Service Teachers, Game-based Learning

Abstract

Integrating video games into the classroom is a promising way to enhance learning experiences, as the market of serious games is expanding. European schools are investing in digital equipment, and the use of educational video games is technologically viable. Nonetheless, actual experiences of video games in class are still rare. A key gap to be explored is understanding how pre-service secondary teachers perceive and are prepared to use digital games in their future classrooms. Do they think it would enhance their teaching and their students’ learning? Do they feel prepared for it? To answer these questions, and possibly address future challenges, we conducted a comprehensive study with students at Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH). The research process began with the development and testing of a detailed questionnaire that focused on participants' personal gaming behaviour, preferences, and perceptions of the educational potential of video games. Key areas such as serious games, game design, gamification, game-based learning, and game culture were explored to assess the relevance and understanding of these concepts in an educational context. This paper explains the development and structure of the questionnaire as a measurement instrument as well as the underlying literature and methodological considerations. The first implementation and the preliminary survey with 48 PHZH students are presented, and the practicability and reliability of the questionnaire are evaluated. The result of the survey suggests pre-service teachers are generally positive about integrating video games and game design into the classroom, yet enthusiasm is not enough without additional support.

Author Biographies

Masiar Babazadeh, SUPSI

Masiar Babazadeh is a lecturer-researcher at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, at the Department of Education and Learning / University of Teacher Education and at the Department of Innovative Technologies. He received his PhD in computer science from the University of Lugano in 2017. His main research areas include game development, game-based learning, gamification, and computational thinking.

Adrian Degonda, Zurich University of Teacher Education, Zurich, Switzerland

Adrian Degonda is a research assistant at the Zurich University of Teacher Education. He completed his Master's degree in Media and Informatics Didactics in 2021 and manly focuses on teacher trainings and education of future secondary school teachers. His research interests include programming concepts, augmented reality in higher education, and games in schools.

Bernadette Spieler, Zurich University of Teacher Education, Zurich, Switzerland

Bernadette Spieler is Professor for Computing Skills in Education at the Zurich University of Teacher Education in Switzerland. Spieler received her PhD in 2018 from the Institute for Software Development at Graz University of Technology. Her work focuses on engaging teenagers in playful CS activities with the goal of improving girls' experiences in particular.

Luca Botturi, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Education and Learning / University of Teacher Education (DFA/ASP), Locarno, Switzerland

Luca Botturi holds a PhD in Communication sciences (University of Lugano). Worked in field and
research projects in educational technologies in Switzerland, Italy, Canada, Spain and the USA.
Currently Professor in Media in education at the Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera
italiana (Locarno), where he researches digital and media literacy, information literacy, ad game-based
learning.

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Published

2024-10-07