What is effective use of educational games and simulations?

1. Set goals

1.1. Rewards for achieving success

1.2. Complete each task and improve skill set

1.3. Complete tasks faster and more accurately

1.4. Immediate and frequent feedback

2. Skill drill

2.1. Students practice skills repeatedly

2.2. Practice basic skills within different tasks

3. Social interaction

3.1. Collaborate to achieve a common goal

3.2. Compete against one another

3.3. Interact with peers online that they would normally not interact with

3.4. Healthy competition

4. Integration of several subjects

4.1. Assessment and review

4.1.1. Integrate several topics into one game for spiral review throughout the year

4.1.2. Assess based on goals achieved or skills mastered

4.2. STEM

5. Engage

5.1. Students work without being easily distracted

5.2. Becoming deeply involved with the game and working longer

5.3. Not easily distracted

6. Solve problems

6.1. Complex tasks that require critical and logical thinking

6.2. determine how to be successful through trial and error

6.3. Answer questions while achieving a goal