This post describes teaching academic integrity using games, and lists a selection of available games that can be adapted for your in-person, hybrid, or asynchronous course.
Games for Learning
The term serious games refers to games that aim to inform and educate within or outside the classroom (Susi, Johannesson, & Backlund, 2007). Gamification and games-based learning can provide a fun, low-stakes, and cooperative approach towards course content (Khan, Dyer, Bjelobaba, et al., 2021). Digital games especially have been described a fitting the interests and preferences of 21st century learners (Prensky, 2001).
Games that involve other players facilitate discussion as well as shared learning experiences. Given that there are various forms of academic misconduct in which students collaborate to cheat, White (2019) notes that serious games provide a group-based approach to fostering academic integrity as a positive individual trait. In developing a board game on academic integrity, White “combines gamification and team-based learning to construct an activity that is hoped to improve student understanding of academic integrity” (p.2).
White’s board game is one of a number of games that can be used and adapted to teach learners about academic integrity and academic misconduct. No matter which game you choose, it is a good idea to describe the goals of the game before the game starts, de-brief key ideas after the game ends, and establish the importance of knowing how to use creative content legally and appropriately in Canada.
reminding students about the importance of remaining respectful during competitive games;
being aware of whether/how the game tool tracks student data; and,
providing alternative opportunities to participate to ensure a positive, inclusive learning experience for all.
Do you know of an academic integrity game to add to this list? Send it to Teaching & Learning! For more information about academic integrity, link to the Faculty Support – Academic Integrity page.
Screenshot of Academic Integrity Online Jeopardy (n.a., n.d.)
Academic Integrity Games
Click the accordion items (+) below for more information on available academic integrity games.
Academic Integrity Online Jeopardy (Web)
Using the format of the quiz game show Jeopardy, this digital game can be used in a class that is in-person (share a screen on the board) or online synchronous (screenshare in a Zoom or MS Teams meeting). With an anonymous author, this quiz has no creative commons license. The Jeopardy game tool may be used to design your own academic integrity quiz.
The Academic Integrity Board Game includes a PowerPoint game board, a question card template, and a scenario card template. Download at no cost, then modify to reflect the rules of the college and/or School. The free print version can be used for the F2F classroom. This tool is licensed CC-BY-NC-SA, which means any copy must be re-shared under the same license.
This H5P interactive presentation by Stephanie Power provides an in-depth description of how knowledge is created and the scholarly publishing life cycle. It includes pre-assessment and post-assessment questions for reflection. The presentation may be delivered in an in person or online synchronous course, or shared for students to review on their own in an asynchronous course. This tool is licensed CC-BY-NC-SA, which means any copy must be re-shared under the same license.
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Competitive Quiz (Quizziz)
This competitive quiz by Anna Boyle asks nine (9) questions about plagiarism and academic integrity. Can be played in an in-person class in groups (with one device per group) or individually in an online synchronous class.
Academic Integrity in Space Branching Game (Web-based or D2L)
Academic Integrity in Space (Ryerson) is an interactive game in which students answer questions and earn certificates from space planets to fight Captain Plague and the League of the Unearned. Students can play the game on their own devices in groups. The game may be embedded into D2L/eConestoga (permission granted by Ryerson University Academic Integrity Office) using the instructions on the home page below.
Select link to access instructions, web-based version, and download instructions for D2L version of Academic Integrity in Space
Acceptable/Unacceptable Interactive Video (H5P)
This short, humorous video from University of Alberta, Dean of Students (starring Canadian actor and celebrity Andrew Phung) provides three (3) sets of situations when everyday copying is acceptable, and when copying the academic work of others without giving credit is unacceptable. Embedded questions that appear during pauses in the video can be completed with students, or students may watch the video and complete the questions on their own.
Khan, Z.R., Dyer, J., Bjelobaba, S. et al. (2021). Initiating count down – gamification of academic integrity. International Journal of Educational Integrity17, 6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-020-00068-0
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital game-based learning. St Paul. Paragon.
Elan Paulson, PhD, has been an educator in Ontario's higher education system since 2004. Before joining Conestoga as a Teaching and Learning Consultant, Elan was on the executive team at eCampusOntario. She previously served as Program Director and as an instructor in professional education programs at Western University's Faculty of Education. With a Master's in Educational Technology, Elan specializes in technology-enabled and collaborative learning to support diverse learners. She has also conducted research on faculty participation in communities of practice for professional learning and self-care.
