Measuring Learning in Digital Games: Applying a Game-Based Assessment Framework

Digital games (DGs) have the potential to immerse learners in simulated real-world environments that foster contextualised and active learning experiences. These also offer opportunities for performance assessments by providing an environment for students to carry out tasks requiring the application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Although widely used for teaching and learning, there are challenges in using digital game applications for assessment. Designing assessments around tasks in complex learning environments like DGs is not always easy, particularly for educators new to using these technologies for teaching. This paper presents a game-based assessment framework (GBAF) that is designed to be educator-friendly and useful for the design of assessments for immersive learning environments. The application of the framework to the design of embedded and external (multiple-choice questions) assessments is also presented. The GBAF offered an easy and structured basis for the design of two distinct assessments for a computer game. It provides educators with useful guidelines for designing assessments around pre-existing games.