Formal Game-Based Assessments

National and global initiatives are starting to put pressure on testing systems and companies to change how learning is being measured. As a result, testing companies have begun turning to digital media as possible solutions for next generation assessments. While testing companies may be under pressure to change, the need for rethinking how we approach measuring learning involves a much greater shift than simply putting assessments “on line.” It requires a framework that combines attributes from both game and assessment design. This paper will discuss the tensions between principles of good game-design and assessment design. We offer design insights and a suggested framework for designing/developing game-based assessments grounded in two case studies. Case 1 illustrates the tension between principles of good game design and what is required of assessments. Case 2 illustrates how some of the principles of good game design can actually be applied to assessment frameworks.