A Review of Empirical Studies on Educational Games: 2013-2017

Abstract

Based on the SSCI sub-database in the Web of Science, this study selected 9 SSCI journals in the field of educational technology as sources of literature to investigate the empirical research of educational games from 2013 to 2017. We used the bibliometric method to analyze and describe the overall development of educational game research. It was found that the research hotspots mainly focus on educational game environment design, educational game effectiveness, learner motivation, and gamification teaching strategies. A content analysis framework was established based on the results of the bibliometric analysis. From the three dimensions of educational game design and development, teaching and application, and educational evaluation, a total of 113 empirical studies were analyzed panoramically. The following characteristics and trends were summarized: (1) design and development: focus on high-quality learning experiences and personalized learning; (2) games used in education: a shift from the perspective of learner characteristics to internal cognition; (3) integration of games and teaching: educational games as the main cognitive tools for the learner-centered classroom; (4) educational evaluation: the continuous exploration of gamification evaluation methods to achieve scientific, interesting, and effective assessment.