Examining Student Teachers’ Perceptions and Attitudes towards Game Based Learning

Although the appropriate design of the game is crucial for the attainment of learning objectives in game based learning, in formal education settings the role of the educators is critical. The experience and the competences of the educators are important for the success of the game based educational intervention. Our study is situated in this context, examining the perceptions, experience, and intentions to use digital games of student teachers. Our goal is to identify and propose areas where student teachers may be supported during their studies so that they are better prepared to implement games in primary and secondary education. The sample of this study was 125 university students who may potentially become primary and secondary education teachers. Data were collected through an online survey in Universities in Greece and analysed statistically. The results indicate that game experience and perceived usefulness of the games as learning tools are the strongest predictors for the intention to use digital games in the classroom.