DECISION MATRIX FOR GAMES THAT TEACH

EVALUATION
CRITERIA

Buzzword
Bingo

RETENTION
RECOGNITION

REVIEW

Correct
Order

Diagram
It

X
X

REFLECTION

EMBED NEW
CONCEPTS

EASE OF SET-UPINSTRUCTOR

EASE OF USELEARNER

Flash
Cards*

Jeopardy/
Who
Wants to
be a?

Multiple
Choice

Idea
Map

X
X

MAINTENANCE HIGH
X

AUDIENCE SIZE LARGE

AUDIENCE SIZE SMALL

TECHNOLOGY
REQUIREMENTS HIGH

Scavenger
Hunt

What is
the
Truth?

Triples

X
X

Word
Jumble

Word
Search

What
Am I?

MAINTENANCE LOW

TECHNOLOGY
REQUIREMENTS LOW

E-mail
Game

X
X

* Includes the game 'Trivia' since it is a recognition game

INTERPRETING THE DECISION MATRIX FOR GAMES THAT TEACH

The decision matrix is designed to provide you with some insight regarding the most effective use of each of the games mentioned. It merely reflects our
perceptions of their effectiveness based on our experience and is not intended to convey any theoretical foundation.
CRITERIA
RETENTION

DEFINITION
The degree to which the game helps learners retain/remember key learning points.

RECOGNITION

The degree to which the game helps learners access previously learned material(s) when required.

REVIEW

The usefulness of the game as a tool to help learners review learning materials in preparation for summative evaluation.

REFLECTION

The degree to which the game fosters a deeper, more personalized level of thought as it relates to the key concept being addressed.

EMBED NEW
CONCEPTS

The usefulness of the game as a tool to help students learn new concepts related to the main learning topic.

EASE OF SET-UP:
INSTRUCTOR

How easy is it for an instructor to create the game? This assumes that the instructor has a basic understanding of technology and/or a
technical support person to assist in full deployment, where applicable.

EASE OF USE:
LEARNER

How easy is it for the learner to access the game, understand its application, and interact with, based on the instructions. This assumes
the learner has a baseline understanding of technology and e-learning applications.

MAINTENANCE:
HIGH

Once the game is posted on-line or made available as hard copy, does it require additional upkeep and/or instructor interaction?

MAINTENANCE:
LOW

Once the game is posted on-line or made available as hard copy, little upkeep is required.

AUDIENCE SIZE:
LARGE

The game works effectively with a large audience.

AUDIENCE SIZE:
SMALL

The game is most conducive for smaller audiences.

TECHNOLOGY
REQUIREMENTS:
HIGH

Set-up and maintenance of the game requires assistance from a technical support person or extensive upkeep by instructor who
has a high degree of proficiency with the necessary technology applications (for example, PowerPoint, Blackboard).

TECHNOLOGY
REQUIREMENTS:
LOW

Requires very little in the way of technology support. Can be quickly created and deployed and may not require technology at all.

DEVELOPED BY: Diana Mungai, The Melian Group, LLC and Dianne Jones, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater