Bringing gaming to the classroom:

You should be studying organic chemistry but there are so many other things to do and then, of course, there is sleep.

Would an online game that allows you to compete against your classmates inspire you to learn those tough concepts?

Steven Forsey, who has been teaching organic chemistry for almost ten years, says it does.

“Organic chemistry is like a new language for students so they have to hit it over and over. These tournaments give students a reason to do practice questions when they’re outside of the classroom,” he says.

Chemistry with your smartphone

Forsey created 780 practice online questions for students to access from their cell phones, tablets or laptops anywhere, anytime. The tournaments happen at scheduled times, usually on Sunday or Monday evenings, but students are encouraged to go online and practice frequently before the tournaments.

“There are very keen students who are practicing on the game all the time,” says Forsey.

This past term about 60 per cent of Forsey’s 200 organic chemistry students took part in the tournaments which involve answering 40 questions in 45 minutes.

Healthy competition

“The tournaments also simulate the pressure of the exam.” says Forsey. “They have a minute to answer these questions. Can they answer them quickly? It gives them a good sense of whether they really know the concepts.”

For Forsey, the organic chemistry game is just another way to engage students in learning, especially outside the classroom.

“It just makes it more enjoyable for students, especially those who love the gaming aspect and competition.”

The questions can be difficult, says Forsey. “Conceptually, they can be very difficult.” 

This semester, the tournaments were bonus marks for the students because Forsey was testing the new technology. In the fall, the tournaments will be worth five per cent of the final grade. Students who do not take part in the tournaments will have the five per cent transferred to their final exam.

Forsey is working on the game with Top Hat Monocle, a company launched in in 2010 by two University of Waterloo graduates.