Chapter 10: Multimedia Learning and Games

Many strong claims are made for the educational value of computer games, but there is little strong empirical evidence to back up those claims. For example, in a recent review, Hannifin and Vermillion (2008, p. 215) observed: “Games are very motivating and have tremendous potential in education, but despite a rapidly growing research base, there is yet insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions.” Similarly, O’Neil and Perez (2008, p. ix) noted: “Computer games were hypothesized to be potentially useful for instructional purposes [but] . . . there is almost no guidance for game designers and developers on how to design games that facilitate learning.”