In 2016, Muzzy Lane concluded a research study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to investigate how game-based learning can achieve positive outcomes for nontraditional students in higher education. Our research suggests that game-based learning can be altered to achieve beneficial outcomes for both students and leaders in higher education.
In our research, we classified nontraditional students as individuals who:
1. Returned to school after a brief educational hiatus
2. simultaneously balance school with work and family/parenting responsibilities
3. Have a lower-income background
4. Are first-generation college students
5. Speak English as a second language
For our focus groups and surveys, we looked for students who met at least two of these criteria.
Our research study focused on understanding the challenges that nontraditional students face in education. In the focus group sessions, we learned that students with busier schedules outside of school were more likely to opt for online courses due to the flexibility and time management benefits they offered. However, these students also expressed deep concerns about the lack of skills development and educational outcomes from online learning, stressing the likelihood of achieving a successful career.
Our research highlights clear opportunities that stem from the concerns of educators and higher education leaders. From the interviews, we learned about the struggles educators face in integrating digital learning with their curriculum. These reports enabled us to develop a framework for a platform designed to address concerns of learning outcomes and integration issues.
1. Make game-based learning authorable and affordable, rather than custom-built and high-cost.
2. Fit flexibility into existing curricula and students’ lives.
3. Platforms must work intuitively on all devices, including phones and tablets.
The Gates Foundation Grant kick-started the creation of Muzzy Lane Author, our platform that resolves all concerns highlighted by students and educators. Author is designed to create customized roleplay assessments with ease in just minutes, while keeping affordability in mind. Here's a list of Author's benefits:
1. Auto-assess whether students can apply what they have learned
2. Building employment skills in real-world contexts
3. Providing safe environments where students can learn through trial and error
4. Developing and assessing critical thinking skills
5. Facilitating learning strategies and student success skills
Read more about these challenges and our solutions by downloading the full PDF report!
After reading the case study, we'd love to hear your thoughts and questions. Contact us at: info@muzzylane.com