title: Using Video Games to Enhance Motivation States in Online Education: Protocol for a Team-Based Digital Game.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Video and computer games for education have been of interest to researchers for several decades. Over the last half decade, researchers in the health sector have also begun exploring the value of this medium. However, there are still many gaps in the literature regarding the effective use of video and computer games in medical education, particularly in relation to how learners interact with the platform, and how the games can be used to enhance collaboration.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study is to evaluate a team-based digital game as an educational tool for engaging learners and supporting knowledge consolidation in postgraduate medical education.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed methodology will be used in order to establish efficacy and level of motivation provided by a team-based digital game. Second-year medical students will be recruited as participants to complete 3 matches of the game at spaced intervals, in 2 evenly distributed teams. Prior to playing the game, participants will complete an Internet survey to establish baseline data. After playing the game, participants will voluntarily complete a semistructured interview to establish motivation and player engagement. Additionally, metrics collected from the game platform will be analyzed to determine efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The research is in the preliminary stages, but thus far a total of 54 participants have been recruited into the study. Additionally, a content development group has been convened to develop appropriate content for the platform.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Video and computer games have been demonstrated to have value for educational purposes. Significantly less research has addressed how the medium can be effectively utilized in the health sector. Preliminary data from this study would suggest there is an interest in games for learning in the medical student body. As such, it is beneficial to undertake further research into how these games teach and engage learners in order to evaluate their role in tertiary and postgraduate medical education in the future.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. anna.janssen@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6611-9651
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.forename: Tim
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0783-1918
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Peter
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9903-737X
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Goodyear
keywords: digital games; medical education; online learning