Assessment of a web-based learning game in an information systems course

For decades, instructors have used games to facilitate student learning. More recently, the availability of the World Wide Web and Web authoring tools have greatly expanded the opportunities for instructors to utilize online learning games. Web-based learning games would appear to have particular appeal to the "digital generation" of learners who have grown up playing computer and video games. However few previous studies have evaluated the use of online learning games. This study addresses this issue through the application of an online game called FlashGame, developed using Macromedia® Flash™, in two mass sections of an introductory information systems course. A survey was administered at mid-semester to assess participants' usage and perceptions of this game. Since web-based learning games are at an early stage of development, the findings provide important insight and raise implications for instructors about the use of online games to support student learning.