A Interactive PowerPoint Game to help learners know basics about Microsoft Access 2007
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Learner audience
This game encourages everyone who has interest in testing their basic knowledge and learning creating databases in Microsoft Access 2007. Within the new 2007 office suite, Access is the one that has the complete change over its interface, getting-started page and file menus, which we call it “ribbon”. Learners with basic background knowledge about how Access works within either 2002 to 2003 version or 2007 version could give this game a try. It could serve as prerequisites for intermediate level and advanced courses.
Learning objectives
Declarative knowledge
After playing this game, learners will be able to get a better idea of how much they know about some of the basics in MS Access 2007. They will be able to understand why they pick the wrong choice, what the correct way of creating a template is, what common templates are, and how to set up a new report. They can recognize some information such as how data are saved within an Access 2007 application. The learners will also get familiar with the Access interface, how ribbons are used and how to use some of the syntax within look up view.
Procedural knowledge
Although this game does not engage in performing some physical tasks or apply certain skills to a particular case, the potential procedural knowledge gained here could be problem solving, comparisons among answers, and troubleshooting tasks. The analytical skills of learners can also be enhanced through the game.
Strategies knowledge
Learners can learn some of the basic functionalities of the tools within Access 2007, and apply them within different database scenarios. Database cases could be all different; however the tools, steps, rules and syntax remain the same.
Goal
The goal of this small game is simply to test game players how well they have grasped this Access 2007 software application. Learners who are familiar with the older version of Access may not initially score high in this game; however, the game is designed as a learning tool, not quiz-based tool. Learners can actually learn and have fun at the same time by looking at the explanations of wrong answers and memorize the right ones.
Learning objectives and game goals are interrelated in the way that learners need to get the questions right to get more points. More points they get, more objectives are met, and therefore, the goal of partially mastering the basics of Access 2007 interface is met.
Types of learner interactions
This is an interactive game designed and developed in Microsoft PowerPoint. There are multiple choice questions as well as true-or-false questions. Learners can choose all the wrong the answers until they get it right. When the right answer is picked, the bonus scoring wheel will spin; the learner can get a random score generated from that wheel. There are selecting, typing, buttons, and icons in the game as input technique. In the end, the player can add up the score manually on a separate sheet of paper or in a spreadsheet on the computer. Also, there is a 30 second timer set up for each question. This adds the gaming feel to this activity. Learner has to give a quick response to each question asked.
Types of learner feedback
Learner feedback is provided right on each answer to the question. They can keep trying until they get it right.
Level of learner control
Learners are in full control of this game except the time they need to complete it. The timer is set up to speed up the game and fun.
Learners Motivation
Within this game, the spin wheel is designed not only to add the fun, but also used to stimulate learners’ interests in learning. If they get the question right at the first try, they get to spin the wheel three times; if they get it right the second time they try, they can spin the wheel twice; if they get it right at the third time, they can still spin the wheel once. That way, learners are motivated by the nature of the game rule, and able to think fast and try to get more scores.