Shaun Tay | Lecturer
Republic Polytechnic

Shaun has over 14 years of experience as an educator in Game Design, Game-Based Learning and Gamification at Republic Polytechnic, where he teaches Game Theory, Board and Card Game Design, 2D Art Asset Creation and Arts History.

He is engaged in the application, and prospects of gamification as an academic researcher. Specialising in Applied Teaching & Learning, coupled with the practice of academic research in Gamification, he believes compelling play experiences are the key to elevating learning in the new landscape of education. His philosophy in game design is identical to his methods as a dungeon master – it’s all about the player’s experience.

Beyond his work in the classroom and as a Game-Based Learning specialist, Shaun is an active member of the Singapore Games Association (SGGA), where he volunteers as the Exco for Education. In this role, he focuses on helping students build connections with the games and their related industries through the association's Student Chapter.

Appearances:

Pre-conference Workshops @ 10:00

[M7] 7 Nov (AM) - Employing game-based learning to engage students for effective learning

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to convince students to engage in learning about difficult subjects or inculcating environmental values to enrich an existing programme, this workshop is for you.

Youth are bombarded with holistic education messages and current affairs topics throughout their schooling. Because of this constant exposure, some have formed the impression that such topics are dull and of little relevance. What can teachers to do support teaching topics students have already formed preconditioned notions about, such as National Education issues and values?

This workshop presents a solution that is working for us. “Diplomats… in Space!” is an innovative card game that is designed to change this impression by immersing students in a strategic and thought-provoking Game-Based Learning experience. This learning resource supports students interacting with game elements and gaining insights into how their decisions affect outcomes. These outcomes mirror scenarios and events in the real world, as well as illustrate national and international initiatives and frameworks. First conceived and designed for Institute of Higher Learning students, this versatile experience, which can accommodate up to 40 players, is also suitable for Secondary and Post-Secondary students.

Over the course of 2-hours, participants will get to experience how Game-Based Learning helps students understand complex issues e.g., gains vs. trade-offs, exercise strategic decision-making, e.g., pursuing short-term gains at the expense of long-term interests, as well as experience global citizenship. The designers will share their experience in designing the game from concept to delivery such as key considerations and challenges faced in making National Education and current affairs fun and relatable for students.

Attendees should bring their laptop for this workshop session.

Shufen Poh, Lecturer, Republic Polytechnic