Diagnostic Markers to Evaluate Serious Games in Medical Education: Fun Meets Function
Diagnostic Markers to Evaluate Serious Games in Medical Education: Fun Meets FunctionDiagnostic Markers to Evaluate Serious Games in Medical Education: Fun Meets Function
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Diagnostic Markers to Evaluate Serious Games in Medical Education: Fun Meets Function
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MedEd Deep DiveTrailerBonusEpisode 16Season 1
Diagnostic Markers to Evaluate Serious Games in Medical Education: Fun Meets Function
In this episode, we explore a fascinating study that introduces a new framework to evaluate serious games, specifically those designed for medical education. The framework breaks down games into three clusters: User Experience (UX), Play, and Learning. We dive into how these markers were tested on three popular medical games—“Touch Surgery,” “Dr. Game, Surgeon Trouble,” and “Staying Alive”—and what the results tell us about serious games' effectiveness in engaging users and delivering educational value. Join us as we discuss what makes a game fun and a powerful learning tool.
In this episode, we explore a fascinating study that introduces a new framework to evaluate serious games, specifically those designed for medical education. The framework breaks down games into three clusters: User Experience (UX), Play, and Learning. We dive into how these markers were tested on three popular medical games—“Touch Surgery,” “Dr. Game, Surgeon Trouble,” and “Staying Alive”—and what the results tell us about serious games' effectiveness in engaging users and delivering educational value. Join us as we discuss what makes a game fun and a powerful learning tool.
Whether you're a student navigating the complexities of medical school, an educator striving to improve learning outcomes, a researcher pushing the boundaries of knowledge, or a policymaker shaping the future of medical education—this podcast is for you.
In Season 1 of MedEd DeepDive, we explore the cutting-edge innovations transforming how we teach and learn. From the use of AI and chatbots to combat vaccine misinformation to the game-changing potential of virtual simulations and the metaverse in medical training, our episodes dive into the latest research and real-world applications. We'll also discuss innovative tools like serious games, escape rooms, and virtual patients that make learning more immersive and effective.
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Yassin:
You sent over this research paper on serious games. Mhmm. And it's in medical education. And I gotta say Uh-huh. It really got me thinking.
Yassin:
Right?
Zaynab:
Yeah.
Yassin:
We see all these games out there promising to teach us surgery or whatever.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
But how do we know if they're actually effective Right. Or just a glorified app?
Zaynab:
Yeah. Yeah.
Yassin:
And that's exactly what these researchers, I think, wanted to unpack. Yeah. How can we tell if a game is really a serious game? Right. Meaning, it's got those solid learning chops Yeah.
Yassin:
Not just flashy graphics.
Zaynab:
And it's interesting you say that because that's one of the things that they really want to emphasize here. What's fascinating is the paper argues this isn't just semantics.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
It has real implications for you, the learner, and for the future of educational games.
Yassin:
Okay. Let's unpack that. So why should we care if a game checks all the serious game boxes?
Zaynab:
Think about it. How often have you downloaded an app promising to teach you a language or some cool skill
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
But it was so dull you gave up after, like, a day or 2? These researchers are trying to prevent that by setting a bar for what makes a game truly educational.
Yassin:
Makes sense. And I imagine from the research side, if everything gets lumped together as a serious game
Zaynab:
Yes.
Yassin:
It becomes impossible to figure out which approaches are actually working. Right?
Zaynab:
Precisely. Imagine trying to study the effectiveness of different workout routines, but just calling everything physical activity. You need those distinctions to see what's really making a difference.
Yassin:
So how did these researchers tackle this? They didn't just sit around debating the definition of fun, did they?
Zaynab:
Not at all. They took a hands on approach. They analyzed 3 real medical games to see if they measured up to their criteria.
Yassin:
Okay. Hit me with the contenders. What games got put under the microscope?
Zaynab:
We've got touch surgery Mhmm. Which lets you practice surgical procedures virtually.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
A seemingly obvious choice.
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
Then there's doctor Game Surgeon Trouble. And, yes, the name is as quirky as the game itself.
Yassin:
Doctor Game Surgeon Trouble. Okay. I'm already intrigued. What's so unusual about that one?
Zaynab:
Imagine this. You're performing a surgery simulation, but to keep your cool under pressure, you're also playing a match 3 puzzle game simultaneously.
Yassin:
What?
Zaynab:
It sounds wild
Yassin:
It does.
Zaynab:
But it actually reflects the multitasking demands of surgery.
Yassin:
Wow. I would totally fold under that kind of pressure. Right. But I can see how that unexpected combo could lead to some serious learning. Mhmm.
Yassin:
What about the 3rd game?
Zaynab:
The last contender was staying alive, a game focused on teaching CPR to both the general public and medical professionals. Okay. High stakes.
Yassin:
Yeah.
Zaynab:
Quick thinking, but does that automatically make it a serious game Right. According to the researchers' criteria?
Yassin:
Okay. So we've got our lineup. Virtual surgery, surgery puzzle hybrid, and high pressure CPR training. How did the researchers even begin to define what makes a serious game in the first place?
Zaynab:
So they broke it down into 3 core pillars Okay. What they call clusters.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
And a game has to nail all of them
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
To earn that serious game badge.
Yassin:
Okay. So it's like a 3 legged stool. Right. You kick one leg out Yeah. And the whole thing collapses.
Yassin:
What'd they land on?
Zaynab:
First up is user experience Okay. Or UX as we know and love it. And it's deeper than just making the game look pretty. They dug into how the game feels to play. Right.
Zaynab:
Is it intuitive, responsive? Does it guide you without feeling like a hand holdy tutorial the entire time?
Yassin:
Right. Because nobody wants to be fighting with the controls or getting lost in menus when they're trying to perform virtual brain surgery.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
It's gonna be smooth sailing on the technical side.
Zaynab:
Exactly. Then comes the play cluster
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
Which is where it gets really interesting
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
Because it begs the question. Yeah. Does a serious game have to be fun?
Yassin:
That's the $1,000,000 question, isn't it? Yeah. I'm all for making learning more engaging.
Zaynab:
Mhmm.
Yassin:
But does something like learning I don't know.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
Tax law. Does that have to be a lot a minute? Right. Where do we draw the line?
Zaynab:
That's the debate. Yeah. And this paper leans towards the yes side.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
They argue that tree games have this inherent playfulness
Yassin:
k.
Zaynab:
This challenge and reward system
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
That keeps you hooked.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
Think objectives, difficulty levels, how the game reacts to your mistakes.
Yassin:
So it's not just about, like, shoveling information at you. It's about giving you something to strive for.
Zaynab:
Yes.
Yassin:
A sense of progression. You're learning, but it feels more like
Zaynab:
Yes.
Yassin:
Leveling up your character.
Zaynab:
Spot on. And that brings us to the most obvious cluster.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
But no less important, learning itself.
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
Because at the end of the day, that's what we're here for.
Yassin:
Right. But even then, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it.
Zaynab:
Right. Absolutely. You can't just slap some facts and figures onto a game and call it a day. The researchers looked at how well the learning objectives were actually integrated into the gameplay. Okay.
Zaynab:
Did it feel natural woven into the experience or like an afterthought?
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
Did the game actually test you on what you were supposed to be learning?
Yassin:
So it's gotta be more than just fun.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
It has to be effective. We wanna walk away from these games with real skills
Zaynab:
Yes.
Yassin:
Or knowledge, not just a good time.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
Speaking of, how did our 3 contenders measure up against these pillars?
Zaynab:
Well, this is where it gets interesting. Okay. Touch surgery.
Yassin:
Yeah.
Zaynab:
The one that seemed like a shoe in just based on the name.
Yassin:
Yeah. Virtual surgery.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
Felt like a safe bet. What happened?
Zaynab:
Turns out, the researchers found it was more like a really fancy interactive text book.
Yassin:
No way. Mhmm. But surgery is right there in the name.
Zaynab:
I know. It's a curveball.
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
It aced the user experience and learning aspects.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
Looked great, taught you stuff.
Yassin:
Okay.
Zaynab:
But the play element
Yassin:
Yeah.
Zaynab:
Seriously lacking.
Yassin:
Wow.
Zaynab:
It missed those core game mechanics that make something truly addictive
Yassin:
Yeah.
Zaynab:
That make you wanna keep playing to improve.
Yassin:
So it was informative, but not necessarily something you'd choose to play in your free time Right. Which, let's be honest Right. Is a death knell for any game Yeah. Educational or not.
Zaynab:
A 100%. And that matters because if a game isn't engaging
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
People won't stick with it Right. Which brings us to our winners.
Yassin:
Drumroll, please, who emerged victorious from the serious games arena.
Zaynab:
Both doctor game surgeon Trouble and staying alive passed with flying color. They were engaging, educational, and had those key game mechanics to keep players hooked.
Yassin:
Wow. So the candy crushing surgeons
Zaynab:
I know.
Yassin:
And the high crusher CPR simulator both made the cut. I I gotta admit, I'm a little surprised the combo and doctor game surgeon trouble works so
Zaynab:
well. Right.
Yassin:
But, hey, that's why we deep dive Right. You go. To uncover these unexpected gems.
Zaynab:
Exactly. And it just goes to show that you can make learning fun and effective at the same time
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
Even for something as serious as, well, surgery or saving a life.
Yassin:
Right. So besides blowing my mind with the fact that a game called Doctor Game Surgeon Trouble is out there, what's the big takeaway here? So besides blowing my mind with the fact that a game called Doctor Game Surgeon Trouble is out there, what's the big takeaway here?
Zaynab:
Good design is crucial. You could have the most amazing educational content in the world. Right. But if it's trapped inside a clunky Yeah. Or boring game
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
People aren't gonna engage with it. Right. And with serious games, engagement is everything.
Yassin:
Right. Because it's not just about entertainment. Right? Alright. It's about giving people real world skills.
Zaynab:
Yes.
Yassin:
Whether it's a surgeon learning to handle pressure or someone mastering CPR, these games have the potential to make a real difference.
Zaynab:
Absolutely. And the researchers are very clear that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
There's still so much we don't know about what makes a serious game truly effective. Yeah. But by laying out these criteria, they've given us a framework
Yassin:
Right.
Zaynab:
To start evaluating and designing these games in a way that's both fun and impactful.
Yassin:
Yeah. It really gets you thinking about all the fields this could revolutionize.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
What about a serious game for learning a new language?
Zaynab:
Yes.
Yassin:
Or for coding? Absolutely. The possibilities are kind of endless.
Zaynab:
Endless. Exactly.
Yassin:
Yeah. And that's what's so exciting about this field. Mhmm. We're just scratching the surface Yeah. Of what serious games can achieve.
Zaynab:
I agree.
Yassin:
It's like we're on the verge of a whole new era of learning. Forget dusty textbooks Please. And boring lectures. Yeah. The future of education could be a giant interactive, ridiculously fun video game.
Zaynab:
I think we can all get behind that.
Yassin:
I know. Right? And on that note, I have one last thought for you before we wrap up.
Zaynab:
Right.
Yassin:
This study focused on medical games, but it got me thinking. Yeah. If you could design the perfect serious game
Zaynab:
Yes.
Yassin:
For your field, what would it be? What would it teach, and how would you make it so engaging that people can't put it down? Hit us up on social media and let us know your ideas. We might even feature some of the best ones in a future episode. Until then, happy gaming, everyone.
Yassin:
And remember, just because it's serious doesn't mean it can't be fun.