Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research Project (NWO)
“Using real-time cognitive and non-cognitive indicators for regulation and self-regulation in game-based learning”
Through NWO we started the strategic project “Using real-time cognitive and non-cognitive indicators for regulation and self-regulation in game-based learning.”
Serious games have the potential to teach complex cognitive skills in an engaging and flexible way. They often provide real-time feedback based on cognitive performance indicators. Measurement of non-cognitive (eye-movements, stress) and cognitive (cognitive load, game-data) process indicators might generate important information on learning processes, which can be used to improve the development of professional and self-regulated skills, using adaptive (computer-regulated) or self-regulated learning.
Self-regulated skills are important 21st-century skills to enable continuous learning. In the medical domain, proficiency in skills is often directly related to patient safety. The Erasmus University MC developed a simulation game to train complex cognitive skills.
Research showed this game is effective for doctors, but not alwayds optimal formedical students. Students overestimate their skills and do not self-regulate their learning sufficiently. We will extend the game-levels and explore how the use of process indicators can improve learning.
Research objectives:
- Provide insight into how non-cognitive and cognitive indicators can be used to provide meaningful feedback in a game and identify indicators’ relevance for adaptive versus self-regulated learning.
- Compare through experiments the best use of process indicators in a game for the development of professional and self-regulation skills and motivation, enabling students to:
- make their own choices in
- going through the game-levels (control condition)
- going through the game-levels, receiving additional help based on indicators (self-regulated learning);
- engage with
- an adaptive game version, based on indicators (adaptive learning);
- additional debriefing-sessions in the game, guided by indicators’ information.
In cooperation with:
- Maastricht University, especially the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences – School of Health Professions Education
- Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam
- IJsfontein
For more information see website NWO
