Emerging practice with games-based learning - Teaching with Technologies: The Essential Guide - page 74

Table 4.2 reported benefits of handheld games technologies for teaching and learning

(adapted from moleneT 2010: 3)

Benefits Handheld games technologies can

Skill development help learners develop transferable skills

support learners to develop skills more quickly
encourage reflection, as learners view recordings of themselves and
peers
improve attendance and achievement

Assessment be a non-threatening assessment tool, for learners and teachers

Facilitate self assessment by enabling collection of evidence of skills/
progress
assist peer assessment
Provide immediacy of feedback

Flexibility enable learning at different times - anytime learning

support learners in varying locations - anywhere learning
be used as a resource and stimulus for cross-curricular/further
learning

Motivation and
engagement

help to engage learners and re-engage the 'disengaged'; make
learning fun
motivate learners to progress and achieve
improve learner focus and attention
Provide learners with ownership of their own learning; foster
participation
stimulate interactive learning and multisensory learning experiences

Social and Emotional well
being

engender learner confidence and increase self-esteem

Facilitate communication and encourage collaboration
Promote learners' sense of pride in their work; enhanced by seeing
progress made
improve teamwork and cooperation; develop/advance peer group
dynamics

Personalization support learners' individual needs

encourage autonomy; goal setting, progress and achievement
support learners with low levels of literacy and/or numeracy
help to overcome language barriers
support those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (lldd)