E.GRAPHIC (GAMES RESEARCH APPLIED TO PUBLIC HEALTH WITH INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION) - DESIGNING A SERIOUS GAME PILOT FOR DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Authors

  • E. O'Neill King's College, London
  • P A Reynolds King's College London
  • S Hatzipanagos King’s College London
  • J.E. Gallagher King's College, London

Abstract

Educators are looking towards new methods of engaging and motivating students and encouraging self-directed life-long learning in preparing undergraduates to enter the dental profession. This paper's objective is to report the development of an online collaborative serious game as an e-learning Dental Public Health resource for dental undergraduates. GRAPHIC involved the development of a pilot computer game programme. The game was housed within the Moodle environment. In the game students worked collaboratively to consider the views of key stakeholders in the community and individually to explore population oral health, and the evidence base for community initiatives. The pilot programme was used by students in January 2012 with positive feedback. The learning outcomes of the game were achieved with all students successfully passing the game. The development of a pilot game has demonstrated the effective use of technology enhanced learning in dental public health. The pilot programme demonstrates the potential of using gaming as a teaching tool in dental public health. Learning from the pilot is contributing to further developments including an improved user interface.

Author Biographies

E. O'Neill, King's College, London

Oral Health Services Research Dental Public Health, King’s College London Dental Institute.

P A Reynolds, King's College London

Centre of Flexible Learning, King's College, London.

S Hatzipanagos, King’s College London

King’s Learning Institute, Kings College London.

J.E. Gallagher, King's College, London

Oral Health Services Research Dental Public Health, King’s College London Dental Institute.

Published

2013-05-08

Issue

Section

Short Communications