Rating:

In a hurry?  Recommendation   

For a review of four books on game-based learning, including this one, see Jon Aleckson's article. For a second opinion on this book, see Barbara Filicaro's review.

Web-delivered corporate training Flash games can provide a sense of space and present a core mechanism that requires challenge and skill. Fun can also be enhanced with the addition of competitive scoring and even multiplayer capability when an additional server is utilized, according to Clark Aldrich in his new book, Learning by Doing.

Game elements not only make learning more enjoyable and fun; they also result in more time spent on the subject, which increases learning. Clark expertly explores both the academic community’s fascination with video games and learning and corporate electronic simulations used by training departments. He has created the new bible on gaming and simulations for the industry training. This book covers the spectrum of game-based learning, even providing detailed information about new media marketing Flash games and the explosion of Macromedia Shockwave developed games, including the increasing popularity of virtual machine simulations.

Recommendation
Aldrich gives the game-based learning movement meaning and relevancy for corporate training departments. He takes a practical and didactic approach for corporate trainers, detailing key pedagogical elements. They include providing the learner with background information; the use of scaffolding, diagnostic capabilities, including scoring, visualization of relationships, and giving tips; and allowing for user control of the pacing.

Learning by Doing Holds user interest      Value of Content      Self-Study Value      Instructional Value      Value for the money      Rating